Is Arjun Rampal too pricey for Pooja Bhatt?

Ali Fazal and Arjun Rampal

Last year it was reported that Soni Razdan had roped in Arjun Rampal for her next directorial venture, 'Love Affair'. However, just before the film could get rolling, the actor was shown the door with Ali Fazal replacing him.

Ali Fazal and Arjun Rampal

Confirming the news, Pooja Bhatt says, "It was a decision taken by Mahesh Bhatt, Bhushan Kumar and me based on hardcore market realities. We are clear about one thing - eventually it is the film's budget that works and it was important for us to ensure that we make Love Affair within an economic framework that can't go wrong at the box office."

Rampal has not really been on a high in terms of his box office success. His latest release 'Roy' struggled to find takers, much like his previous releases, 'Satyagraha' and 'Inkaar'. Besides, the actor's remuneration was on the higher side as compared to the budget planned by Pooja.

'Love Affair' is based on a crime of passion that takes place in the wake of infidelity in marriage. Apparently inspired by the sensational Nanavati murder case, the film will feature Fazal and Kalki Koechlin as a couple while Gulshan Devaiah will essay the lover's role. Well known lawyer Ram Jethmalani has a pivotal role as a special prosecutor.