Have you heard? Saif clicks his next

Saif Ali Khan

The year ahead just got busier for Saif Ali Khan. The actor, who has Devara with Junior NTR, Kartavya with Shah Rukh Khan's production house and a web series with Siddharth Anand, has reportedly signed yet another project. Titled Click Shankar, the film marks the Hindi debut of Tamil director Balaji Mohan, best known for the Maari franchise starring Dhanush. Backed by Junglee Pictures, the character-driven narrative with a good mix of suspense and humour is slated to roll this summer. The protagonist, Shankar Rebeiro is a cop suffering from hyperthymesia, a rare condition that causes every memory to be permanently etched in his mind. Binky Mendez has written the screenplay with Mohan, while Karan Vyas of Scam 1992 fame has penned the dialogues. Interestingly, the makers are planning a franchise, but that will be finalised after this thriller releases.

Exploring new avenues

Karishma Tanna had a great 2023 as her web series Scoop with director Hansal Mehta not only earned laurels, but also fetched her the Best Actress gong at the Busan International Film Festival's 2023 Asia Content Awards and Global OTT Awards. Now, the actor is foraying into a business venture with husband Varun Bangera. She is investing in a new range of modern fitness equipment and is in the process of starting their first gym in Bandra. Equally nervous and excited about her next step, Karishma wrote on social media, "Varun and I have ventured into a fitness-related business, around this new age training concept called EMS Training. It is being adapted globally and has shown incredible results in a short span of time."

Next stop, Atari

In a first of its kind, the makers of Operation Valentine will launch the song, Vande Mataram, at the Atari-Wagah border this Republic Day. Lead actors Varun Tej and Manushi Chhillar will attend the parade at the border and unveil the patriotic number rendered by Sukhwinder Singh in Hindi and Anurag Kulkarni in Telugu. The action drama is slated to arrive on February 16.

Festive announcement

The makers of Varun Dhawan's next co-starring Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi announced the film yesterday with a video from the mahurat. South director Atlee forays into production with an adaptation of his own 2016 hit, Theri, in association with Murad Khetani. It's another thing that director Kalees has completed a schedule each in Mumbai and Kochi. Sources say that Atlee wanted to announce his maiden production on the occasion of Pongal and Sankranti. The movie's title is yet to be finalised. If they would have waited another couple of months, they could have completed the shoot, and then announced the film with the title, release date and pictures from the wrap-up party too. No?

Flight not right

Over the weekend, Radhika Apte shared a sarcastic post on social media detailing her and fellow passengers' ordeal when they were stuck at an aerobridge for several hours. "I had a flight at 8:30 am. It is 10:50 am now and the flight has still not boarded. But the flight said we were boarding and put all the passengers in the aerobridge and locked it! The passengers with small babies, elderly people have been locked in for over an hour. The security won't open the doors."

Recounting her interaction with the ground staff, she added, "They just told us that we will be here till minimum 12 pm, all locked in. No water, no loo. Thanks for the fun ride!"

Brace for epic action

After Vikram (2023) with director Lokesh Kanagaraj, and his upcoming venture, Thug Life with veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan is teaming up with action-director duo Abu and Ariv again. This time, he has entrusted the twins, together known as Anbariv, to helm his next production venture, titled KH237. Sharing the news on social media, Kamal wrote, "Proud to add two proven talents in their new avatar as directors for #KH237. Slay it, Masters Anbariv. Welcome to Raaj Kamal Films International again." On their part, the director duo said, "Miracles do happen. It still feels surreal that we have been given such an extraordinary opportunity to direct Ulaganayagan Kamal sir." The action-packed film will release in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada.