Sara Arjun joins Madhubala biopic, marking progress in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s long-delayed project

A long delayed biopic on Madhubala is now moving forward, with Sara Arjun confirmed to step into the role. The project, which has been in discussion for years, is expected to head for a direct OTT release, marking a shift from its earlier theatrical plans.

The film is backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has come on board as producer, giving the project renewed momentum after earlier delays. It will be directed by Jasmeet K Reen, known for her debut feature Darlings starring Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah.

According to reports, production is likely to begin in July 2026. The film had previously been put on hold due to budget concerns, but Bhansali’s involvement appears to have addressed those challenges. With pre production now underway, the makers are said to be focusing on casting and visual detailing.

Sara, who was recently seen in Dhurandhar alongside Ranveer Singh, is expected to undergo extensive preparation for the role. The character demands a portrayal of Madhubala’s screen presence as well as her personal journey. Casting for key roles, including actors to play Dilip Kumar and Kishore Kumar, is currently in progress.

Earlier, Kiara Advani was reported to be in discussions for the lead role, but talks did not move forward. This eventually led to Sara being finalised. Other names such as Sharvari, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Sai Pallavi and Aneet Padda were also said to have been considered during the casting process.

The biopic will trace Madhubala’s journey in cinema, along with her personal struggles. It is expected to cover her relationships and the challenges she faced during her career, leading up to her early death at the age of 36.

While reports have confirmed Sara’s casting, there has been no formal announcement from the makers so far. The actor has also not publicly responded to the development, keeping anticipation around the project steadily building among audiences.