Ali Abbas Zafar, after directing blockbuster films like Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai and Bharat, is turning to production with Ananya Panday's and Ishaan Khatter's Khaali Peeli. While the film is yet to get a release date, the filmmaker is apparently working on a period drama set against the backdrop of 1984 Punjab Riots. Reportedly, Diljit Dosanjh will be frontlining the film. Now, in the latest development, a source close to the film told an entertainment portal that the script is finalised and will go on floors once the situation is better. 

"Ali’s next production after Khaali Peeli is a period drama set against the backdrop of 1984 Punjab Riots featuring Diljit Dosanjh in lead. The script is locked and the film is all geared to go on the floors once normalcy kicks in," the source told.

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The source further mentioned that Ali is planning to premiere the film that is a 'human drama against the backdrop of the riot' on Netflix. As per reports, he has signed a deal with the OTT giant and will also stream his superhero film with Katrina Kaif on the same platform. "Ali describes the subject as desh ki mitti se juda hua, and that’s exactly the content that Netflix too is willing to acquire. Their stint with respect to Indian content has not really been successful (Exp. Sacred Games) so far, and by teaming up with a director like Ali, who has commercial sensibilities, Netflix is expecting to record a big spike in viewership and gain appreciation too," the source added.

The source informed that the yet-to-be-titled film will be directed by one of Ali's assistant directors. "Drama forms the core element of Diljit’s yet-untitled film, and it falls in a zone that hasn’t been seen in any Bollywood film set against the backdrop of Sikh Riots. One of Ali’s assistant directors will helm the film. Everyone is excited to start shooting for the film," the source said.

The first part of the Katrina-led superhero film is said to arrive on Netflix by late 2022 or early 2021. The script of the film is ready and Ali is waiting for the situation to return to normalcy before shooting for it. 

(Source: Bollywood Hungama)