Scoops: Tara Sutaria finalised opposite Sidharth Malhotra, Nushrat Bharucha recommends Luv Ranjan's name for her next

We had earlier told you how Sidharth Malhotra has decided to shoot for another film before his biopic on Vikram Batra goes on floors. He has signed Satyameva Jayate director Milap Zaveri’s next venture. The Aiyaary actor will also reunite with his Ek Villain co-star Riteish Deshmukh who plays a prominent part in the movie. And now, we hear that the makers have locked in on the female lead, too. “The film is a revenge saga that will go on floors soon. The team wanted a fresh pairing and hence offered the film to Tara Sutaria,” says our source, adding, “She heard the narration and liked the part. The modalities have worked out and she’s on board officially as well.”

Tara was supposed to feature in the i remake opposite Shahid Kapoor, but she had to opt out after the schedule of her Bollywood debut, Student Of The Year 2, got pushed  by a few months. “Milap’s next will be her second Hindi film. She and Sid will make for a good looking jodi, just like the producer and the director wanted it to be,” says our informer.

In all his four releases so far, director Luv Ranjan has worked with Nushrat Bharucha as his leading lady. While many whispered about her being his muse, both have denied it and said that they are just good friends. Last week, when the filmmaker was accused of sexual harassment in the wake of the #MeToo Movement, his Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety heroine had shared online an open letter in his defence.

The petite actress reportedly considers Luv her mentor and doesn’t give a nod to any project without his go-ahead. An industry source tells us that some time ago, she was offered the heroine’s role in a project. 

“Nushrat liked the subject and expressed her interest in doing it. When the conversation steered towards the other pivotal crew members the makers were signing on, she suggested they also get Luv on board as the creative director,” says our informer, adding that they were not exactly thrilled with the idea. “The producers were taken aback by the suggestion. They said they would think about it. But, in fact, they’re not even considering it. They’ve already begun talks with a couple of other actresses for the project.”

Sonu Sood recently put up a bare-chested photograph of himself at the gym on his social media handle. The caption said, “Sometimes you need to take it easy n relax (sic).” While he got several reactions from his followers, Abhishek Bachchan, who has worked with him in Yuva (2004) and Happy New Year (2014), wrote to him, “You just reminded me that I hate you!” Looks like the two actors enjoy indulging in fun banter just as they would while working together. On a philosophical note, Sonu replied to Abhishek saying, “Bhai it was a gentle reminder that the way you hate me, if everyone in this world starts hating each other the same way. Then this world will be the most loved place ever #mybrotherfromanothermother (sic).”

After being accused for sexual harassment by three women, composer Anu Malik, who was judging Indian Idol, is out. The musician, who has been a part of the music reality show since it's inception was caught in the #Me Too Movement with singers Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit accusing him of sexual misconduct. An Indian Idol wild card contestant also reportedly faced harassment from him, while another woman, who was part of the production team during Indian Idol 5 reportedly said that the producers were aware of his behaviour. Even as there was speculation about him being asked to step down from the show, Anu sent a statement saying, "I, Anu Malik, have decided to take a break from Indian Idol as I am currently unable to focus on my work on the show. The channel has been kind to agree for the same."

Soon after, even the channel issued a statement: "Anu Mallik is no longer a part of the Indian Idol jury panel. The show will continue its planned schedule and we will invite some of the biggest names in Indian music as guests to join Vishal (Dadlani) and Neha (Kakkar) to judge the extraordinary talent of Indian Idol season 10."

However, sources say that the makers are contemplating getting another celebrity as the third judge on the show.

Not many people know that Aamir Khan’s son Junaid has worked as an assistant director on the superstar’s next, Thugs Of Hindostan (TOH). While Junaid, along with the crew, has worked hard on the period fantasy drama, Aamir is keen that his son and the team watch the film in all its grandeur on the big screen only. Says a source, “There will be no preview or special screening of TOH held for the crew. Aamir feels that the essence of the larger-than-life film will be showcased effectively on the big screen, so he wants Junaid and the crew to see the movie in theatres on its release.”

This filmmaker is launching two new faces, one of whom is his kin, in his next project. The intense romance drama is being helmed by a director who has earned acclaim for a couple of films. We hear that the auteur filmmaker isn’t too happy with the rushes so far. Apparently, he feels that his director hasn’t risen up to his vision and so, he has called for a break in the shooting. An industry source tells us that the scenes picturised so far will be re-shot. Our informer elaborates, “The schedule is being planned again and the producer-director will supervise the proceedings this time around. Incidentally, this is not the first time the sensitive filmmaker is calling the shots on a film he is producing. Previously, too, he wasn’t happy with the way his director friend had shot the movie he was producing. So he stepped in to take control of the situation before his buddy went astray in terms of the story-telling and the budget.”

The Film Critics Guild is all set to honour short films. The idea behind Critics Choice Short Film Awards, a one of its kind initiative, in partnership with Motion Content Group, is to recognise and appreciate the inventiveness and creativity of short films producers across India. The aim is to identify and reward the short film industry in an unbiased manner by giving due recognition to their talent. Owing to the intellectual minds coming together, the standards of the same would be exceptionally high and the independence fierce. 

Anupama Chopra, Chairperson of the Film Critics Guild, said, “Short films are an exciting, unique telling format. The Critics’ Choice Short Film Awards have been created to celebrate and honour the best talent in short films. We hope film makers across states and languages will share their work.”

The first edition of this award will be held in Mumbai this December.