Sidharth Malhotra is taking on more action roles. PeepingMoon.com has exclusively learned that the actor has next signed a rooted action drama produced by Murad Khetani. The yet-untitled film will be his first to hit the floors following the box office debacle of his hijack thriller, Yodha. 

Balwinder Singh Januja, who previously directed Randeep Hooda’s Tera Kya Hoga Lovely and the Jio Cinema series, CAT, will helm this commercial actioner, besides also producing it under his Movie Tunnel Productions, along with Murad Khetani's Cine1 Studios. Although the plot and other details have currently been kept under wraps, the film is said to be a blend of action, romance, and family relationships. Malhotra will apparently play a character burdened by his past.

The film is in the pre-production stage and will get off the ground in September in Uttarakhand. The director is already working on a comedy film, titled Sab First Class, with Khetani’s banner, starring Varun Sharma and Shehnaaz Gill in the lead. Januja is also known for writing films like Mubarakan, Firangi, and Saand Ki Aankh, while Khetani has produced blockbusters like Kabir Singh, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and Animal. Up next, the producer has Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, and Wamiqa Gabbi’s Baby John lined up to release this year.

Updates on Sidharth Malhotra’s films with Maddock Films and Junglee Pictures 

Malhotra has been talking to a number of filmmakers about different ideas, but very few of them have come to fruition so far. He was initially supposed to start Tushar Jalota’s Spyder for Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, but that was reportedly put on hold due to budgetary concerns. The team then discussed a romantic comedy, which also fizzled out. There is now buzz about a potential road trip film, but it’s still in the initial stages. Malhotra, Jalota, and Vijan are committed to working together, but they haven’t finalized the project yet. 

Meanwhile, Malhotra has turned down offers from Junglee Pictures. The SOTY actor was reportedly in talks to star in two thrillers under the banner, with Meghna Gulzar and Jeethu Joseph as the directors, but he has declined both for reasons unknown. He has lately been facing a rough patch in his career, and his declining box office appeal is believed to be a factor in