Gutka' - Now an Akshay Kumar solo starrer?
By Joginder Tuteja, MovieTalkies.com, 13 November 2013 09:16 AM IST
There is a twist in the tale. Around six months back when Karan Johar produced Gutka was announced, while Akshay Kumarwas the one who was announced as being on board, news was also making rounds that one more male lead would be roped in. However as things stand today, the work on script is still on and the way it is progressing, Gutka is just a solo lead film.
"The announcement had created immense buzz since that Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar were working for the first time together," informs a source, "Moreover, it was also putting director Punit Malhotra (I Hate Luv Storys, Gori Tere Pyaar Mein) in an altogether different setting due to dramatic quotient of Gukta. This was also the time when first Emraan Hashmi and then Arjun Kapoor were said to be in contention for playing the other male lead, who had a parallel part to play with Akshay."
However, with neither Emraan nor Arjun going on record and no word forthcoming from Karan and Punit either, it was understood that an announcement in this regard would be made at the right time. While Akshay went on to do many more films in the interim period, Karan too was at the helm of other projects. Meanwhile Punit put all his energy into his Imran Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer Gori Tere Pyaar Mein.
Now that Punit would be through with the release of the film later this month, it was but natural to quiz him on the casting of Gutka and whether the other make lead had been finalised.
"Well, I don't know where these rumours have been originating from. I have heard so many names being discussed in last so many months. However, honestly we don't have anyone finalised. As a matter of fact, right now Gutka is a one hero film and there is no second male lead. We will see how it goes in the script as I am still in the process of developing it further. Casting, including the heroine's part, would be made post that."
As for Akshay Kumar in the lead, he is looking at the actor bringing a lot on the table.
"In fact all I am looking for is his expertise as an actor; he is superb out there," says Punit, "I am a big fan of his action and though 'Gutka' is a drama, there would be some action for sure. I love his energy and would want it to rub on me, crew and the film as well."
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