Jitendra Kumar is set to star in a new film co-starring Pooja Bhatt that delves into India’s traditional custom of flying pigeons.
The project marks a reunion between Kumar and co-producer Hitesh Kewaliya, with whom he previously collaborated on ‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’. Kumar, known for his streaming series ‘Panchayat’ (Prime Video) and ‘Kota Factory’ (Netflix), as well as films such as ‘Jaadugal’ (Netflix) and the recent ‘Bhagwat: Chapter One – Rakshas’ (ZEE5), plays a devoted pigeon farmer in the socially-based story.
Bhatt, an Indian National Film Award winner, will play Kumar’s on-screen mother in the film, which marks a return to the dramatic territory Kumar has previously explored in films such as the award-winning Zakum, Tamannaah and Dadi.
The as-yet-untitled feature is produced by Khyati Madaan through her Not Out Entertainment banner, with Kewalya serving as co-producer. Kewaliya previously wrote ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ and also wrote and directed ‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’.
First-time feature director Bilal Hasan will direct the project from his own screenplay. Hasan was earlier nominated for a Filmfare Award for his award-winning short ‘Chupchaap’.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of the traditional practice of training carrier pigeons and flying them from rooftops. This practice continues in some parts of India and in pigeon racing communities around the world. Principal photography is scheduled to begin next year.
Not Out Entertainment is developing a series of culturally specific projects. The banner is currently producing ‘Abhootpurva’ starring Ritwick Bhowmik and an ensemble cast, a romantic horror comedy set in 1990s Agra. The company is also developing a horror film starring Arhan Shetty, which is based on a real-life national tragedy.
