By Hindustan Times
After several false starts and an entire bunch of actors and directors walking out and in of the frame, the film adaptation of two States is finally set to take off. We’ve now learnt that Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Johar’s co-production according to Chetan ‘bestseller’ Bhagat’s novel by the similar name is confirmed to star Arjun Kapoor.
Of course, there has been still some drama remaining on this roller-coaster ride — before finalising Arjun for the lead. It sort of feels Imran Khan were approached for the role. But he turned down the offer since he was tied up with multiple projects — Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, followed by Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2 and Milan Talkies.
We tried reaching Karan and Sajid for comments, but they remained unavailable. However, the Ishaqzaade star is assumed to have formally signed the contract a couple of days ago. An industry insider confirms, “Yes, Imran was approached but he had date issues. That’s how Arjun came into the image. Both Sajid and Karan were very impressed along with his work in Ishaqzaade. So he was the following natural choice.”
When we called Arjun, he didn’t deny the news, but only told us, “I don’t intend to make any comments till things are finalised. Let’s stay up for the official announcement.”
However, our insider insists that Arjun is “very much on,” but have been instructed to not discuss the impending project as of now.
The drama over 2 States’ film adaptation started in 2010 when Sajid bought the rights. First, director Siddharth Anand (of Bachna Ae Haseeno and Anjaana Anjaani fame) was to tackle the film with Saif Ali Khan and Priyanka Chopra within the lead. Then Shah Rukh Khan entered the fray with director Vishal Bhardwaj. Chapter three saw KJo step in as co-producer with Ranbir Kapoor’s name being suggested for the lead role.
Now, before this casting story gets more chapters than the book itself, things appear to be falling into place. Debutant Abhishek Varman, who has worked as an assistant director on Karan’s My Name Is Khan (2010) and upcoming Student Of The Year, will direct the film. “It’s more likely to go at the floors towards the tip of the year. The remainder details might be finalised once Sajid is back from his Europe trip,” says the insider.
2 States is a love story a few girl from a Tamil family and a Punjabi boy, and the hurdles they face en path to marriage.
