Here's some good news about Kartik Aaryan! The Pyaar Ka Punchnama star who's lately been grabbing headlines for his controversial exit from Karan Johar's Dostana 2 and Shah Rukh Khan's Freddy has started prepping for his much-awaited Hindi remake of Telugu hit Ala Vaikunthapuramaloo. Kartik who steps into the shoes of Allu Arjun will start shooting for this romantic action entertainer after completing the remaining portions of Anees Bazmee's long-impending Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 that resumes its shooting in Mumbai next month. And now we've learned that Kriti Sanon and Paresh Rawal have joined the cast of this Rohit Dhawan directorial.
"Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon are coming together again spelling magic on-screen with Dinesh Vijan's Luka Chuppi. Kriti will play the leading lady, reprising the role of Pooja Hegde while Paresh Rawal has come on board to play Kartik's father which was essayed by Jayaram in the original Trivikram Srinivas directorial. Rohit Dhawan and his team of writers have adapted Ala Vaikunthapuramaloo keeping in mind the criticism the film received for its predictable storyline and narrative, and have tried to make it better with a strong screenplay and a great musical score. Manisha Koirala is also in talks to play a pivotal role in the film but she's yet to sign on the dotted line," a source close to the development informed us.
We've also learned that the film has been titled Shehzada. Ekta Kapoor who's producing it along with the original producer Allu Aravind of Geetha Arts is said to have named the film after the Rajesh Khanna and Raakhee starrer 1972 Bollywood drama set during the British Raj. "Casting is more or less locked and the makers will soon announce the film officially. They are currently chalking out the shooting plans given the current scenario across the country. Kartik and Kriti's dates are being worked out considering their other commitments and once that's done, they will proceed with pre-production," the source further added.
Ala Vaikunthapuramaloo revolves around a skilled middle-class man who is despised and often neglected by his father. His world turns upside down when he learns that he was swapped as an infant and his biological father is an affluent businessman. How he enters the home of his real parents and eventually confronts those who threaten his family forms the crux of the story.
Meanwhile, when we contacted Balaji Motion Pictures, they told us, "Due to the pandemic, shoot schedules have undergone multiple changes. Actors’ availability has also become an issue, owing to their other commitments. We are now getting into discussions with actors to chalk out a plan. Final decision will be taken depending on which actor fits our timeline. We shall take a stock of this situation in the coming month and then decide. We request media to not speculate and wait for an official announcement."
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