Sara Arjun to play Madhubala

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's work on his ambitious film 'Love and War' is slowly coming to a close, with the ace director finally set to wrap up production on the long delayed film starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. 

While the completion of the film can mean his leading trio can move on to their next big ventures, the director will find little time on hand as he is reportedly set to commence his next film. 

According to a report by Mid-Day, Bhansali will move directly from his epic romance saga to his next big film - the Madhubala biopic, starring Sara Arjun in the lead. 

As per the report, the film is expected to go on floors in September at Royal Palms in Goregaon, where the director has been shooting the final song of 'Love and War', that is expected to wrap next week. 

Once the song is completed, the filmmaker is expected to wrap up the production and retain the sets for the Madhubala biopic.

According to an industry source cited by Mid-Day, “After the ‘Love and War’ shoot concludes in August-end, the production design team of the Madhubala biopic will start work on transforming the space. The film is expected to roll in September,” the source said. 

The yet-untitled Madhubala biopic will star Sara, best known for her role in “Dhurandhar”, as the lead and will be directed by Jasmeet K Reen, who previously helmed the 2022 film “Darlings”. 

The project had reportedly faced delays over budgetary concerns before gaining momentum after Bhansali came on board as a producer.

The film will explore the life and legacy of one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated stars, with the makers looking to recreate the era in which Madhubala rose to fame. “Sara has started preparing for the role. 

Jasmeet wants to capture Madhubala’s personality, mannerisms, and the world she inhabited,” the source told the portal.