On a casting coup of sorts, director Karan Malhotra has got Sanjay Dutt to play the ruthless, merciless villain in Yash Raj Films’ period action-adventure Shamshera. He will be pitted against Ranbir Kapoor in the mega action spectacle. Interestingly, this will be Sanjay’s first-ever film with the banner, while Ranbir has previously done Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) with them.

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ROLE CALL

The team was looking for a villain who could match up to the protagonist’s persona, which was a challenge. Their search ended when they zeroed in on Sanjay. Karan says, “Shamshera is a ferocious and fearless character in the film. Therefore his nemesis, the villain had to be even more fierce and monumental in every aspect. Who better than Sanjay sir to give us that impact on screen?”

PERSONAL CONNECT

Sanjay’s father, Sunil Dutt and filmmaker Yash Chopra shared a long association and were friends for many decades. Dutt Sr starred in Chopra’s films such as Waqt, Faasle and Parampara. 

Sanjay says, “My father and Yash (Chopra) uncle were close friends and now that I’m doing my first YRF film, it is an extremely emotional moment for me. When I heard Karan’s idea to pit Ranbir against me, I thought it was brilliant. I look forward to shooting this incredibly exciting film, my second with the hugely-talented Karan Malhotra.”

HEARTLAND APPEAL

This high-octane adventure flick is set in the heartland of India and will have jaw-dropping action sequences and Ranbir in a never-seen-before avatar. Shamshera is set to go on floors by the end of this year and shooting will wrap up by mid-2019.