Have you heard? RK to go grey 

it was only after watching Animal that SLB decided to cast the actor for the complex role. Apparently, Ranbir will play an edgy and grey character in the film. Though heroic, the role has intense psychological undertones

As the title, Love & War suggests, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next is a love triangle set against the backdrop of war. Even though the characters Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal essay in the narrative come with their challenges, the filmmaker, who is set to begin filming later this year, was very particular about casting for the part that Ranbir Kapoor has signed up for. Apparently, it was only after watching Animal that the auteur decided to cast the actor for the complex role. Apparently, Ranbir will play an edgy and grey character in the film. Though heroic, the role has intense psychological undertones. Sources claim that several novel aspects about the subject, and the character and its treatment, appeared inviting enough for Ranbir to collaborate with Bhansali 16 years after Saawariya. The filmmaker is looking to release the period action drama around Christmas 2025. But first, the young superstar will act as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan trilogy. 

Distance no bar

Adhura actor Anirudh Singh and wife Aditi Oberoi Singh will celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary on February 20. Even though theirs has been a long-distance marriage, as she works as a senior garments designer in Dubai, the actor says, “We are happily married, enjoying the smooth and roller coaster ride of love and marriage.” While they try to get together every three months, with time, it is difficult for them to stay away from each other. Anirudh adds, “Relocation is on the table, this year. But, at the moment, we are deciding what is the best option for both of us.”  

Rani is overwhelmed 

Over 19 years since its theatrical release, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, dropped on Netflix. The feisty actor has subsequently been inundated with messages ever since. “It is overwhelming and hugely gratifying to see Black receiving so much love from the audience,” said Rani. Conceding that it holds a special place in her filmography, the actor added, “The experience of working with the legendary Mr Bachchan and being directed by my favourite filmmaker of all times, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is something that will stay with me forever.” Buoyed by the reach after its digital release, she said, “It is always humbling to see your work reach a wider audience.” 

An action thriller next 

Following his maiden web series, Rafuchakkar, Maniesh Paul is set to reunite with creator duo, Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartk Nishandar. While they had previously spoken about the possibility of the second edition of the con show, we hear that they are looking to explore the action space for their next. According to our source, “Arjun and Kartk are planning a raw action thriller with an emotional core. Maniesh will essay the protagonist and, this time around, he will be seen as an action hero.” The actor had met the creator duo at their office recently and sources claim that the shooting timelines will be decided after things are finalised. 

Another Dabanng in the plans 

While waiting for director Vishnu Vardhan to tweak the screenplay of his next, The Bull, Salman Khan is planning his fourth Dabangg film. The superstar and his actor-producer-brother Arbaaz Khan reportedly met director Atlee recently to discuss collaborating on supercop Chulbul Pandey’s return to cinemas. One may attribute it to the unprecedented success of Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, but the Khan brothers are keen that the south director helm Dabangg 4. It is being said that Atlee will script the action drama, while the call on directing it will be taken subject to his other commitments. He may also co-produce the film with Salman and Arbaaz. 

Reality bites 

Even as her next, Jigra, is under production, Alia Bhatt will serve as the executive producer for the investigative crime series, Poacher. Helmed by Richie Mehta, the show will chronicle the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. Sharing that she was moved by the story that is based on true events, Alia stated, “Being part of this incredibly significant project is an honour for me and my team at Eternal Sunshine Productions. The impact of Poacher was deeply personal, and Richie’s portrayal of the urgent issue of wildlife crime resonated strongly with us.”  Featuring Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Matthew and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, the series drops on Amazon Prime Video on February 23. 

Thanks, but no thanks  

Like many of her industry colleagues, Kangana Ranaut, too, criticised Animal. However, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga said in a recent interview that he’d like to work with her. Sharing a clip from his interaction on social media, Kangana wrote, “The way Sandeep ji showed respect towards me by smiling at my review, it can be said that like his films, his attitude is also manly. Thank you sir. But please don’t ever give me any role, otherwise your alpha male heroes will become feminists, and your films will flop. You make blockbusters, the film industry needs you.” 

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