A Highly Anticipated Collaboration Faces an Unexpected Roadblock
Mumbai – The much-awaited collaboration between Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and acclaimed director Atlee has hit an unexpected pause. Fans who had been eagerly awaiting this mega-budget cinematic spectacle will have to wait longer, as scheduling conflicts involving superstar Rajinikanth have forced the makers to halt the project temporarily.
Grand Vision Behind the Film
The film, which was slated to be produced by Sun Pictures, was conceived as a period drama centered on reincarnation, promising a grand cinematic experience on par with international productions like Game of Thrones. With an estimated budget of ₹650 crores, the film aimed to bridge the North and South Indian film industries, featuring an ensemble of top-tier talent from across the country.
The Casting Challenge: Rajinikanth’s Dates Become a Major Hurdle
Director Atlee and Salman Khan had envisioned a two-hero blockbuster, bringing together legendary actors to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience. Rajinikanth was the primary choice for the parallel lead role. However, his pre-existing commitments have made it impossible for him to participate.
Currently, Rajinikanth is occupied with his upcoming projects, including ‘Coolie’ and ‘Jailer 2,’ which are scheduled until early 2026. Furthermore, he is also in talks to sign another major film following Jailer 2, leaving his calendar completely packed. Despite multiple discussions, the filmmakers could not secure a feasible timeline that would accommodate Rajinikanth’s availability.
Kamal Haasan Was the Initial Choice, But the Role Posed a Challenge
Before approaching Rajinikanth, the makers had initially considered Kamal Haasan for a significant role. However, the character’s arc involved playing Salman Khan’s father, which made Haasan hesitant. Given his illustrious career and larger-than-life persona, he was uncertain about taking on the role in a way that aligned with his stature in the industry.
Exploring Alternative Casting Options
With both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan unavailable, the production team began searching for other A-list actors from South India who could match their stature and bring box-office appeal across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada industries. However, securing a star of equal or greater caliber proved to be a formidable challenge.
Sylvester Stallone Was Considered, But Financial Issues Arose
In a surprising twist, the makers even considered Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone for the parallel lead role. While initial discussions were held, the financial aspects of the deal became a sticking point. The actor’s remuneration and contractual terms posed logistical hurdles, preventing the deal from moving forward.
The Commercial Angle: The Need for a Pan-India and Global Star
Apart from artistic concerns, the project’s massive budget meant that securing a lead actor who could ensure strong returns from digital and satellite rights across multiple languages was paramount. Given the pan-Indian nature of the film, the producers were keen on an actor with a formidable fan base in multiple territories.
However, finding a replacement with the same market value, international appeal, and availability has proven to be a challenge. The delay in finalizing a co-lead has directly impacted production schedules, forcing the team to put the project on hold indefinitely.
What Lies Ahead for Salman Khan, Atlee, and Sun Pictures?
Despite this temporary setback, Salman Khan, Atlee, and Sun Pictures remain committed to working together. Sources close to the project have indicated that while the current concept is facing obstacles, the trio is actively exploring other potential storylines that could materialize sooner.
Salman Khan’s Upcoming Lineup
While this project is currently shelved, Salman Khan has a packed schedule ahead. His upcoming projects include:
- ‘The Bull’ – A high-octane action film based on real-life events.
- ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2’ – The sequel to one of his most beloved films.
- ‘Tiger Vs. Pathaan’ – The much-hyped crossover in YRF’s Spy Universe alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
Atlee’s Next Move
Following the blockbuster success of ‘Jawan’, director Atlee has cemented his position as one of the most sought-after filmmakers in India. With the Salman Khan project on hold, Atlee is reportedly considering working with other Bollywood and South Indian stars for his next directorial venture.
Sun Pictures’ Expanding Slate
Sun Pictures, one of the biggest production houses in India, remains focused on big-scale cinema. With projects like ‘Thalapathy 68’ and Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’, the studio continues to invest in grand storytelling while waiting for the right opportunity to bring Salman Khan and Atlee’s film back on track.
