20 June 2023, Mumbai: One of Indian cinema’s top stars is Salman Khan. With the exception of 2013, Salman has consistently produced at least one movie a year over the years. However, it has been more than two years since anyone has heard of Salman’s upcoming project. Salman is currently choosing his scripts carefully, according to insiders close to the star. “Many filmmakers, including some from his own group, have approached Salman. But for the first time in his 30-year career, he does not have a project scheduled to begin production shortly, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Salman was initially a little concerned about the lack of quality scripts, but after his trip to the US, he appears to have made up his mind to sign on for films with substance, primarily outside of his own projects. “Salman is committed to working on Tiger vs. Pathaan with Shah Rukh Khan beginning in the first quarter of 2024. He and his pal Shah Rukh Khan are delighted about this visual extravaganza, which is slated to be the biggest cinematic event in Indian cinema. The entire year of 2024 will be devoted to filming the Tiger vs. Pathaan movie, the insider said, adding that although the precise schedule hasn’t been set, production is expected to begin in February or March of that year.
Salman is currently not overly thrilled with any of the scripts that have been sent his way, with the exception of the Karan Johar-produced Vishnu Vardhan movie. There have been numerous meetings, and there will be another soon. The problem with this, however, is the length of time needed for pre-production; given the size that Vishnu has envisioned for his subject, it would need 4 to 5 months of preparation before going into production, the source said, hastily adding that all the modalities can only be determined once the stakeholders make a decision. “There’s also a chance that the Vishnu Vardhan movie will be a sequel to Tiger vs. Pathaan. However, everything is still up in the air at this point because Salman’s approval of the movie is the most crucial component.”
Salman is waiting for a narration for Prem Ki Shaadi from his instructor, Sooraj Barjatya, in addition to Tiger vs. Pathaan and Vishnu Vardhan. “This movie can be accelerated to start production this year. Prem Ki Shaadi may begin filming in October and continue through February in time for a Diwali 2024 opening if Sooraj is ready with his draught by July. The script has been in preparation for a few years. Salman and his crew are not willing to put pressure on Sooraj Barjatya to finish his screenplay only to get the movie into production, the source said. Instead, they are still waiting for an update from him.
By Khushboo Singh