Sidharth Malhotra’s new commercial entertainer may get Rajkumar Santoshi as director
Bollywood Hungama first reported that Sidharth Malhotra had signed on for a full-on commercial entertainer produced by Mahaveer Jain Films. Now there’s an exciting development: trade insiders say veteran filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi is in advanced talks to take the director’s chair for the project.
Why Santoshi is a strong fit
A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Rajkumar Santoshi’s forte is not just hard-hitting flicks like Ghayal, Damini, Ghatak and Khakee but also entertainers like Andaz Apna Apna and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. He knows how to make a wholesome entertainer and this film is right up his alley. The discussions are going on with him at an advanced stage.”
Santoshi’s filmography shows he can balance punchy drama with broad comedy — a combination that seems to match the tone the makers are aiming for in Sidharth’s film.
Where the project stands now
- Producer: Mahaveer Jain (Mahaveer Jain Films), with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba as a producing partner.
- Writer: Sanjeev.
- Pre-production: Reportedly in full swing, with the makers keen to finalise the director soon.
- Director discussions: Rajkumar Santoshi is the frontrunner; earlier reports had named Raaj Shaandilyaa (Dream Girl) as a possible director.
- Casting: Sidharth is locked; the team is also in talks to bring in a senior actor for a crucial role.
What kind of film is this?
Insiders describe the project as a mix of comedy and thriller elements. The story is expected to give Sidharth a fresh avatar — something he’s excited about and preparing seriously for. “It has loads of comedy and also has a thrill element. Sidharth came on board as he knows it’ll present him in a never-before-seen avatar and expand his fan base, and he’s giving his hundred per cent towards prepping for the role,” a source said.
Santoshi’s current commitments
While talks are ongoing, Rajkumar Santoshi is currently wrapping up his dream project Lahore 1947, which features a stellar cast including Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal. Aamir Khan is producing that film and will also appear in a cameo, so timelines will depend on Santoshi’s availability.
What to expect next
The makers are moving quickly through pre-production and hope to lock the director and the remaining cast shortly. If Santoshi comes on board, the film could blend his knack for mass entertainment with Sidharth’s growing screen presence — a combination likely to generate buzz and box-office interest.
Keep an eye out for official confirmations in the coming weeks as negotiations progress and the team finalises the creative lineup.