Biggies from YRF, SIB shelved and other trade news from BOI.co.in

There's already been plenty of speculation regarding the release date of Akshay Kumar-Kriti Sanon starrer Singh Is Bling. First, the release date was postponed from July 31 to October 2 as it was clashing with Kumar's other film Brothers. Then there was talk that the film might get further delayed. Owing to that, Ranbir Kapoor's Jagga Jasoos clinched the date to release their film.

However, despite this talk, Singh Is Bling was to go on the floors in the last week of January. But now it seems even that will not happen and the film might be further stalled.

We tried to get in touch with one of the producers, Jayantilal Gada, to ask about the delay, but he did not revert to our messages.

Guddu Rangeela Postponed

Subhash Kapoor and Fox Star Studios share a good rapport as they delivered a hit film in Jolly LLB last year. While Kapoor made the film, Fox Star Studios took care of the marketing and release dates. After the success of that venture, they once again came together for another film titled Guddu Rangeela. The film was to release on February 27 but sources say that it has been postponed for summer vacation period, so that they can reach a larger audience.

The source adds, "February is exam time and Subhash's film caters to students and families. So the makers jointly decided to release on a more appropriate date. Besides, releasing during a cricket World Cup is a risky thing to do."

Despite our repeated attempts to contact Fox Star Studios, they were unavailable for comment.

Drishyam Remake Postponed

Viacom18 recently announced another South remake, this one a remake of Malyalam film Drishyam featuring Mohanlal. The production house signed Ajay Devgn to play the main lead and Nishikant Kamath to direct the film.

But a source close to the film clarifies, "The film was to start rolling in the middle of this year but Devgn is busy with Shivaay, for which he has flown to Canada. After he finishes his directorial film Shivaay, he will start shooting for Milan Lutharia's Baadshaho. Due to this, he has not yet allotted dates to the makers of Drishyam, which might now be postponed to early next year." Hmm.

Abhinay Deo's Next

Ad filmmaker-turned-feature filmmaker Abhinay Deo made Delhi Belly. Later, he also directed the television series 24. Last year, Deo announced his intention to turn producer but it seems he is not having any luck with that plan. First, he was dropped by Anil Kapoor Productions' Battle for Bittora, as he wanted to co-produce the film. Now it seems his next, for which he has signed Irrfan, is not getting any buyers.

A source close to Deo says, "Abhinay wants to co-produce the films he makes and investors are not prepared to invest so much in him. Apart from the budget, he also takes a share in the venture and then charges directorial fees. As a result, the films' budgets are going overboard. That's why his next, which is a comedy on the lines of Delhi Belly, is not getting any investors." Hmm.

Short Takes

National Award-winning costume designer Neeta Lulla will handle the styling and look for the cast of Ashutosh Gowariker's Mohenjo Daro, for which Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-Winning April Ferry is the costume designer. This will be Lulla's fourth film with Gowariker, having earlier worked with him on Jodhaa Akbar, What's Your Rashee? and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.

Since Phantom will release on August 28, news in the trade is that in all probability Jagga Jasoos will release during Gandhi Jayanti this year.

Earlier, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! was to be a song-less film but after a brainstorming session, Yash Raj Films has decided to add two songs to the film.

Guess Who?

This is what happens when you don't leave your desk and think you can still conquer the world, especially in an industry that belongs to those who believe in building relationships. This is what has had happened to this big boss of this corporate house and now he's decided to move out of his cabin and make his presence felt. But the big boss doesn't realise it's too late and he should have done this a long time ago. Sad but true!

Not Happy With Nia' Title

A few months ago, designer-turned-director Vikram Phadnis had announced his directorial venture to the media. The film features Bipasha Basu and Rana Daggubati and the makers had announced the title as Nia. But a source close to the film says, "The makers announced the film with much fanfare but now it seems the script didn't turn out as expected, so the writers have been asked to rework it. The film was to go on floors in March but will now start in May. Even the title will be changed as the makers feel that Nia' is not very attractive."

After Dum Maro Dum, which released in 2011, Daggubati will once again be seen romancing Basu on the big screen. The film will be shot in Mumbai and largely in Australia.

Manoj Bajpayee's New Look

We all know just how talented Manoj Bajpayee is and he's always surprised us with every successive film he's done. So what will we see him doing in Hansal Mehta's next, where he plays a 60-year-old professor who is gay?

And guess what? Despite the powerhouse of talent that he is, Bajpayee is taking part in the workshop for the film. A source close to the actor reveals that, according to him, this is the most difficult role he's ever played.

A source from the unit says Bajpayee's look in the film is being kept under wraps as he has donned a stubble for the character. Well, the combination of Mehta and Bajpayee is definitely something to look forward to.

Associate To Debut

Ashutosh Gowariker's associate Sandeep Modi, who had assisted Gowariker in Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey and What's Your Raashee?, is all set to make his debut as a director with a film to be produced by AGPPL. A source close to the film reveals, "It's a light-hearted film, very opposite of what Ashutosh has been known for making. The story is about a lazy police station. It's not slapstick comedy but a humorous film. Initially, Sandeep was wondering whether Ashutosh would like it or not as he makes larger-than-life films but when the producer heard the narration, he was bowled over and instantly agreed to come on board."

The film will most probably go on the floors at the end of the year.

A New Achievement

In a bid to gift an outstanding present to Shah Rukh Khan, his team at his VFX company, Red Chillies.VFX, decided to explore a new dimension to the actor. They went out of their way and for the first time in the world, used a new technology to come up with a life-size, 3D model of SRK in his signature pose. So astounded was the actor when he saw the gift that he got deeply emotional about it and later posed for pictures alongside it too.

So here's what what SRK has to say about his astonishing gift: "It's the first 3D printed life-size model done by Red Chillies' VFX and Autodesk team. It is overwhelming how technology has gone forward. I am grateful to be a part of this amazing technology. This is outstanding and I am dying to show it to my kids. It's a silver and shiny statue of mine in my classic pose. I want to thank Keitan, Harry, the Red Chillies VFX team and Autodesk team who have worked on it. It's the figure of work I have done for all these years."