It’s a toss-up between Sonakshi Sinha and Ileana D'Cruz for Ajay Devgn's 'Sade Saati'

Ajay Devgn and Anees Bazmee are teaming up almost two decades after Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha for the comic caper Sade Saati. Like Anees’ earlier entertainers including No Entry (2005), Welcome (2007) and Mubarakan (2017), this one, too, is a multi-starrer. Apart from Ajay, who has given his nod to the project, the filmmaker is on the hunt for three more male leads and actresses.

There’s buzz that Anil Kapoor has been approached to join the cast. But the director maintains, “Anilji is like family. He and I have given several hits together and he knows that if I have a great role, I will definitely offer him the part. We do want him to play the role, but we haven’t discussed and finalised it yet.”

As for the girls, there will be three heroines toplining the ensemble, with one A-list actress being paired opposite Ajay. Says a source close to the development, “The makers have two options in their mind. They want to cast either Ileana D’Cruz or Sonakshi Sinha to play Ajay’s love interest. The main heroine’s role is as important as that of the three heroes because her character is significant to the plot.”

Sonakshi has shared screen space with the actor in Son Of Sardaar and Action Jackson, but is yet to work with the director. Meanwhile, Ileana, who has been paired with Ajay in Baadshaho and Raid, has also worked with Anees in Mubarakan.

Anees refuses to divulge any further details. Instead, he says, “It was lovely working with Ileana in Mubarakan. She’s a terrific actress and I would like to work with her again. The heroine’s role in Sade Saati is a well-established part but as of now, we haven’t approached any actress for the role.” The other two heroines will not be A-listers, our source reveals. “There won’t be any heroine opposite Anil. Anees is also planning to get Varun Sharma on board.”

Interestingly, Ajay and Anil will share screen space in Total Dhamaal, in which the latter is paired opposite Madhuri Dixit-Nene and the former has no leading lady opposite him. Now, it will be a role reversal for the two stars.