Shah Rukh Khan-Vishal Bhardwaj film on Chetan Bhagat’s novel put on hold

Filmwallahs in Bollywood called it a classic case of passing the buck, when it comes to the latest development around the big screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s novel 2 States. The film, which created a buzz right from its announcement as it had actor Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj teaming up together for the first time, has apparently come to a halt even before anything concrete could take off around it.

“After the rights were bought over from the writer (Chetan), the initial crew finalised for it was Sajid Nadiadwala as the producer, Siddharth Anand as a director,  and actors Priyanka Chopra and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles. Things changed thereafter,” says a source.

Saif Ali Khan and Siddharth Anand were replaced in the film. The new director Vishal Bhardwaj flew to Berlin to meet Shah Rukh and Priyanka Chopra for the film.

“Both were confirmed for the project. When Vishal started the process to take the film to the floors, there was a change in it again. This time, Shah Rukh wanted a fresh face instead of Priyanka,” reveals the source.

“We don’t know the details but Shah Rukh apparently wanted a fresh face. Though this may not be the case, but Priyanka was eventually replaced,” adds the source.

Now, it is learned that apparently Shah Rukh has developed cold feet about the project. “Shah Rukh is keen to make a film with Vishal, but the project has got delayed. He (Shah Rukh) is too busy with Ra.One and doesn’t have time to devote to any other movie right now. The project as of now is not taking off with Shah Rukh,” the source ends.