MUMBAI, Apr 18: Actor-turned-filmmaker Atul Agnihotri’s all three films so far, either as a director or a producer, starred brother-in-law Salman Khan, but his next home production will not include his ‘lucky mascot’.
Atul made his debut as a director with ‘Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha’ (2004) featuring Salman, Preity Zinta and Bhoomika Chawla. The film did not enjoy a good run at the box office.
Undeterred by this, he directed and even turned producer with ‘Hello’ (2008), a film based on the novel ‘One Night at a Call Centre’, in which Salman had a cameo.
Atul returned to production with Salman-Kareena Kapoor starrer action-romantic film ‘Bodyguard’ (2011), which was a huge hit at the box office. Now he is set for his next home production without the ‘Dabangg’ star.
“We have finalised the script, director and locations. We are in the process of putting together the cast and crew. Can’t make any statements until and unless everything is finalised,” Atul told.
“We can’t talk about the star cast, as we are in the process of finalising things. In two months time, everything should be in place. Then we will make an announcement,” he added.
Right from his first film, Salman has been a common factor in his films but not this time.
“It (film) is without Salman Khan. We do not have any appearance or anything of such sort, where Salman would be there. Salman is our lucky mascot. He supports all of us. He is always there for the family,” Atul said.
Talking about the project, Atul said, “It is an original film, not a remake. It is a coming of age naughty love story. The story is really nice and hence we are making this film. We have a title in mind and hopefully we will announce it with the cast in two months time.”
The shooting for this project will begin October-November and the film is likely to release in 2013.
Post the release of ‘Bodyguard’, gossip mills were abuzz that Atul was working on a biopic on south superstar Rajinikanth with his ad filmmaker friend Lloyd Ba Pista, who would direct it.
Atul was also set to produce the remake of Mahesh Babu’s Telugu blockbuster film ‘Dookudo’ in Hindi with Salman Khan in the lead.
“We had clarified that we are not going ahead with the project (Rajinikanth biopic). Even the other film ‘Dookudo’ (Telugu film) that was to be remade in Hindi, is not happening. If you have ten ideas, then out of it, one or two will work. We are looking for the ideal vehicle for Salman Khan,” Atul said. (PTI)
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