Bobby Deol's role in Oppam is confirmed, with Akshay Kumar playing the antagonist. Vaani Kapoor deletes posts for Abir Gulaal amid tensions
Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan and Bobby Deol
Priyadarshan picks his fave
We wrote about Bobby Deol playing the antagonist in Priyadarshan’s adaptation of his 2016 Malayalam movie, Mohanlal starrer, Oppam (Round two of blind man’s buff, May 3). Now we know that it is Akshay Kumar who is playing the ruthless antagonist in the movie. An insider tells mid-day, “Bobby was not replaced by Akshay. Both were among the three options that the makers had while casting for the project. There were three actors that were being considered and along with Bobby and Akshay, Akshaye Khanna was the other choice. But after working with Akshay in Bhooth Bangla, Priyan locked the star for the role as he felt the superstar best suited the character. Akshay will play Vasudevan, the serial killer [played by Samuthirakani in Oppam].”
Marriage felt isolating
Shahid Kapoor and Mira Kapoor
Mira Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor’s wife, recently reflected on their arranged marriage in 2015, when she was 20. She admitted that it was “initially isolating”, as her friends were in different phases in life. Mira, in a chat with Naina Bhan, shared that when her friends were studying, she felt she was lagging behind. However, despite the challenges, their friendships sustained over time as he friends eventually understood her new life phase, having children and building a family. Mira and Shahid have two children, Misha and Zain.
Cinema can reunite the country
(From left) Karan Johar and Vijay Deverakonda
At the recently concluded World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, Vijay Deverakonda participated in a session moderated by filmmaker Karan Johar, discussing the South versus Bollywood debate. Karan said, “We truly have to believe that it is Indian cinema. We are not North, we are not South, we are collectively making cinema [in India as a whole].” Vijay agreed, stating, “South-North debate can be interesting for headlines but not very productive for cinema. If we have to take on the giants of the world, we need to collaborate.” He suggested collaborations between stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Allu Arjun could unite the country and expand their reach, adding, “The only ambition of any human is to get eyeballs and expand their reach.”
Sorry, not sorry
Saif Ali Khan; (right) Saif Ali Khan as Lankesh in Adipurush
Saif Ali Khan has clarified a recent controversy surrounding his film Adipurush (2023). A video clip that has gone viral on the internet suggested that he apologised to his son Taimur for making him watch the film, but Saif set the record straight, saying, “I apologised to Tim for being the evil villain in the film. I was growling and smashing everyone in sight! He said next time you should play the hero.” The actor added that he stands by all his films, including Adipurush, where he played Lankesh.
Political thriller for Manoj
Manoj Bajpayee
Manoj Bajpayee is reportedly set to star in a new political thriller titled Governor, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar and produced by Vipul Shah under Sunshine Pictures. We have learnt that the actor will play the titular role of a governor in this intense drama. The film has been in development for two years and was apparently to be helmed by Apoorv Singh Karki, with whom Manoj worked on Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023). After things didn’t work out with Apoorv for Governor, the actor recommended Chinmay for the project after developing a creative rapport with him on his upcoming film, Inspector Zende. The film is expected to go on floors in July. He also has Masoom: The New Generation and the third season of The Family Man in his kitty.
No traces of Abir Gulaal
(From left) Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan. Pics/PTI, Instagram
Vaani Kapoor’s promotional posts for her film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, have disappeared from her Instagram account. According to reports, the film’s production team deleted the collaborative posts, which were automatically removed from Vaani’s profile. The move comes after the Pahalgam terror attack and government sources told PTI, “The movie Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, will not be allowed to release in India.” The film was scheduled for release on May 9. Several Pakistani artistes’ Instagram accounts, including Fawad’s, have been restricted in India following the attack (Blocked in India, May 2). Vaani will next be seen in Badtameez Gill with Paresh Rawal.
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