Rannbhoomi: Shashank Khaitan excited about his third film with Varun Dhawan

By Ankita Bhalla

on July 19, 2018

Earlier in February this year, Dharma Productions' head-honcho Karan Johar confirmed that Varun Dhawan and director Shashank Khaitan will take a giant leap in their third offering together. Titled Rannbhoomi, KJo described the film as a 'solid spectacle with a beating heart.' With no leading lady on board, the film is touted to be an epic tale, with emotions and opulence, and love at its core.

However, since February, there has been no word on the progress of the film which is still in its pre-production stage. But even though Shashank was busy filming Dhadak, the remake of Sairat starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, he seems to have been keenly developing his pet project. As Dhadak gears up for a July 20, 2018 release, Khaitan is busy interacting with the media, creating buzz around his next. When quizzed about Rannbhoomi, Khaitan said, "Research is on. We are working towards it. It’s a very ambitious project for all of us and Dharma but a lot of it is research based. It’s a film which Varun and I are really excited about. But it will take some time. I am hoping we meet all our deadlines."

Khaitan's fondness for Varun is no secret. The actor-director have proven their mettle as a duo at the box office with the ginormous success of Humpy Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania. And thus, it comes as no surprise that Khaitan wrote Rannbhoomi with Dhawan in mind. Besides, the Judwaa 2 actor was only too happy to come on board. The project seems even more exciting since it is not something our romantic boy has ever attempted, as the genre moves into the realm of action-drama.

Incidentally, Dharma Productions’ Rannbhoomi is said to be a reworked version of Karan Johar’s Shuddhi which never saw the light of day. Back in 2013, Karan had planned to make the film with Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor. However, due to unknown reasons, Hrithik turned down the project. Following this, Salman Khan was approached for the project, but that also failed to materialise. Now, it is Karan’s blue-eyed boy Shashank Khaitan who has re-imagined the entire Shuddhi script for Varun. The film has also been rechristened Rannbhoomi for more auspicious reasons.

What more? Alia Bhatt, as a leading tabloid recently reported, is eyeing to bag the role opposite Varun in the lead. If things materialize, Varun-Alia-Shashank could return for their hat-trick after two successful outings. An official confirmation is still pending, howsoever.

Desk: Aayushi Sharma