Mumbai, Nov 10 “Panchayat” actor Jitendra Kumar is set to headline a new film alongside Pooja Bhatt that explores India’s traditional pigeon-flying culture.
The project marks a reunion for Jitendra, who will portray a devoted pigeon-keeper in the upcoming film, and co-producer Hitesh Kewalya, who previously collaborated on “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.”
Pooja will play Jitendra’s on-screen mother in what represents a return to dramatic territory the actor has previously explored in films including the award-winning “Zakhm,” along with “Tamanna” and “Daddy,” reports variety.com.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of a traditional practice involving training homing pigeons and flying them from rooftops. The custom continues in some Indian neighborhoods and among pigeon-racing communities globally. Principal photography is scheduled to begin next year.
The as-yet-untitled feature is produced by Khyati Madaan through her Not Out Entertainment banner, with Kewalya serving as co-producer. Kewalya previously wrote “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan” and wrote and directed “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.”
First-time feature director Bilal Hasan helms the project from his own script. Hasan previously earned a Filmfare award nomination for his award-winning short “Chupchaap.”
Not Out Entertainment is developing a slate of culturally specific projects. The banner is currently producing “Abhootpurva,” described as a romantic-horror-comedy set in 1990s Agra starring Ritwik Bhowmik alongside an ensemble cast.
The banner also has a horror film in development featuring Ahan Shetty, based on a real national tragedy.
Jitendra is known for his work in the streaming series “Panchayat” and “Kota Factory” as well as films including “Jaadugar” and the recent “Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas”.
Pooja was last seen on screen in the second season of “Bigg Boss OTT” in 2023.
The grand finale took place on 14 August 2023 where Elvish Yadav emerged as the winner for the first time in Bigg Boss history as a wildcard contestant and Abhishek Malhan emerged as the runner-up.
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