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Madhubala Biopic Put On Hold As Makers Rework Financial Plan
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The biopic on screen icon Madhubala, directed by Jasmeet K Reen, is on hold as producers Sony, Brewing Thoughts, and Madhubala Pictures reassess the budget.
A long-gestating biopic on iconic Bollywood legend Madhubala is back in the spotlight. Although the script is ready and director Jasmeet K Reen (best known for Darlings, 2022) is all set to helm the film, production has come to a standstill due to budget concerns.
Once planned as a grand period drama with an estimated cost of Rs 80 to Rs 100 crore, the makers, Sony, Brewing Thoughts, and Madhubala Pictures, are now reworking the numbers to make the project financially sustainable. 'The period detailing, elaborate costumes, and set designs had ballooned the budget to a point where the recovery math didn't add up," a source close to the film shared to Mid-Day.
'The team is now actively working to find a middle path that does justice to Madhubala's grandeur without compromising the project's sustainability," added the source.
The film has been in development for years, but things only picked up serious traction once Reen, known for her sensitive portrayal of complex women, came on board. 'The script is a beautiful tribute, which is emotional and rich in detail. No one wants a project that bleeds money. So, the budget has been slashed to half," added the insider.
For now, conversations with top female actors have been put on hold until the revised financial plan is finalised. Still, hopes remain high. 'The film deserves to be made. The hope is to take the project on floors by the second quarter of this year," the source said.
Lovingly known as the 'Venus of Indian Cinema,' Madhubala won hearts with her beauty, talent, and charm on screen. The upcoming film will tell her life story, highlighting her incredible acting, the mark she left on Indian cinema, and the many struggles she faced as a woman in the film industry during her time.
The biopic is being backed by Sony Pictures International Productions along with Brewing Thoughts Pvt. Ltd., headed by Prashant Singh and Madhurya Vinay — the same team currently working on India's biggest superhero trilogy, Shaktimaan. Madhubala's sister, Madhur Brij Bhushan, and Arvind Kumar Malviya of Madhubala Ventures are also on board as co-producers for the project.
Earlier speaking to ANI, Madhubala's sister Madhur Bhushan revealed that making a biopic of her loved sister is her 'long-standing dream". She further revealed that while the late actress had a short-lived life but her life is worth every moment. She told the news agency, 'All my sisters and I have joined hands to make this dream come true. With God's blessings and the dedication of my partners – Arvindji, Prashant and Vinay, I am confident that this biopic will be made successfully on a grand level. We need everyone's blessings to put together this project beautifully."
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