That Salman Khan is producing and presenting Satish Kaushik’s next directorial Kaagaz is known. The superstar came on board when he heard the story while they were shooting for Ali Abbas Zafar’s Bharat where Kaushik played a cameo as a Naval officer. Now PeepingMoon.com has learned that Salman will also do a voiceover for the film that stars Pankaj Tripathi in his very first solo role.
Sources close to the project have revealed that Salman has turned narrator for Kaagaz and will be heard introducing the plot and reciting poetry that interprets the core theme of the film . The ‘nazm’ written by Aseem Ahmed Abbasi highlights the importance of a document and how the lack of it causes a ruckus in our lives.
“Kuch Nahi Hai Magar Hai Sab Kuch Bhi
Kya Azab Cheez Hai Yeh Kaagaz Bhi
Baariso Mein Hai Naav Kaagaz Ki
Sardiyon Mein Hai Alav Kaagaz Ki
Aasman Mein Patang Kaagaz Ki
Saari Duniya Mein Jang Kaagaz Ki...”
Kaagaz is based on the real-life story of Laal Bihari, a farmer whose relatives bribed an official to declare him dead so they could snatch his land. Set in UP, the film showcases the 18-year-long struggle of the weak farmer to prove that he is alive. Kaushik, who has previously helmed films like Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hai (1999), Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000) and Tere Naam (2003) among others, is returning to direction after five years with Kaagaz that also stars Amar Upadhyay, Nishant Kaushik, Monal Gajjar and Sandeepa Dhar.
The film has already been shot and was scheduled to release mid-May but it hit the Coronavirus roadblock. Kaushik, when asked about a new release date, said, “ It will depend on the new lineup. With the big films waiting for a more opportune date, smaller films like ours may get a window earlier. It’s too premature to decide, but with Salman by my side, I am still hopeful for a good theatrical release.”