Producer Bobby Bedi has been talking about his plans to take a year-and-a-half off before starting a three-film series, based on The Mahabharata.
Bobby Bedi (left) and Aamir Khan
But we hear that Bedi has already signed Aamir Khan for his next film. The flick, yet untitled, will be directed by Mani Ratnam and is scheduled to hit the floors in April next year.
Paisa vasool
It is reported that Bedi has paid Khan a whopping Rs 10 crore for the project. When quizzed, the producer is reticent about the budget, "I really don't want to talk about that.
Let my project start, with the complete cast in place, and then we can start talking about it. I can only say that we start shooting next year. Aamir plays the lead, and as far as the lead actress is concerned, we are yet to finalise one."
During the post-production of The Rising, the producer had been quoted as saying, 'No other actor would have given that kind of time and involvement to the film as Aamir did' — meaning the price paid (reportedly Rs 7 crore) was worth Aamir's contribution.
Laughathon
A romantic comedy, Bedi's latest film will see Aamir re-staging his humorous turn in Andaz Apna Apna (1994) and Ishq (1997).
Marks a first
Says Bedi, "We are working on the script, which revolves around the lives of the protagonist; there are loads of comic elements." Adds a source close to the producer, "Bobby is never sure of the title of his film, until the release date has been fixed.
Aamir Khan will be again seen in a comic mould after a long time. Mani Sir is directing and scripting; it's a special project, as it marks the coming together of Aamir and Mani Ratnam for the first time."
It's different
Talking about the format, Bedi adds, "It's completely different from whatever romantic comedies you have seen so far. A lot of changes and incorporations are being made, so I can't really talk about the story."
Our source says the cast has been instructed to keep mum about this mega-project. While Aamir remained unavailable for comment, his secretary revealed, "I'm not aware of it. But if the producer has acknowledged it, it's true."
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