Despite claims, major production house isn't co-producing Akshay Kumar's 'Rustom'

While Reliance Entertainment claimed it's collaboration with Akshay Kumar would kick-start with 'Rustom', Neeraj Pandey's third film with the actor, it has been learnt that it is, in fact, Zee Studios and not Reliance that is co-producing the period drama

A media statement recently circulated by Reliance Entertainment announced a joint venture with director-producer duo Neeraj Pandey and Shital Bhatia's Friday Filmworks for producing films.

Akshay Kumar

While it claimed the collaboration would kick-start with 'Rustom', Neeraj's third film with Akshay Kumar, we have learnt that it is, in fact, Zee Studios and not Reliance that is co-producing the period drama. Says a source, “When 'Rustom' was announced, Zee was already on board as co-producer.

Neeraj Pandey

So, there is no truth to Reliance's claims and their Plan C Studio, which is a joint venture with the two filmmakers, will take up other projects, including Neeraj's cinematic version of his novel, 'Ghalib Danger'. 'Rustom' is definitely not one of their upcoming projects.”

The Akshay-starrer is said to be inspired by true incidents and will hit theatres in August. Despite repeated attempts, Shital did not take our calls or respond to messages, and the spokesperson for Reliance Entertainment chose not to comment. However, two well placed sources working on the film confirmed the story.

When we contacted Akash Chawla of Zee Studios, he too corroborated the sources' version, saying, “With fantastic producing partners like Kriarj, Cape and the combination of Akshay, Neeraj and Shital, Zee Studios will leave no stone unturned with its mighty worldwide marketing and distribution might to make 'Rustom' a winner.”

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