'Panchayat' star Jitendra collaborates with Pooja Bhatt for new drama
What's the story
Panchayat actor Jitendra Kumar (35) will lead a new film with Pooja Bhatt, exploring India's traditional pigeon-flying culture. The project marks a reunion between Kumar and co-producer Hitesh Kewalya, who earlier worked together on Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. Bhatt (53) will play Kumar's on-screen mother in this venture, which is set to begin principal photography next year.
Cultural exploration
Exploring India's traditional pigeon-flying culture
The film will delve into a traditional practice of training homing pigeons and flying them from rooftops. This custom is still prevalent in certain Indian neighborhoods and among pigeon-racing communities worldwide. Bhatt's role marks her return to the dramatic territory she has previously explored in movies like Zakhm, Tamanna, and Daddy.
Direction and production
Bilal Hasan to make his feature directorial debut
The untitled film is produced by Khyati Madaan under her Not Out Entertainment banner, with Kewalya as co-producer. The project will be helmed by debutant feature director Bilal Hasan, who also wrote the script. Hasan is a Filmfare award nominee for his acclaimed short Chupchaap. Not Out Entertainment is known for developing culturally-rooted projects and is currently producing Ritwik Bhowmik's Abhootpurva, a romantic-horror-comedy set in 1990s Agra.
Career highlights
Career highlights of Kumar and Bhatt
Kumar is known for his performances in the streaming series Panchayat and Kota Factory, as well as films like Jaadugar and Bhagwat: Chapter One - Raakshas. Meanwhile, Bhatt's recent projects include Bigg Boss OTT 2, Big Girls Don't Cry, and Chup: Revenge of The Artist.