Bradley Cooper, Dev Patel, R Madhavan: Actors take up direction

This young talented British actor of Indian origin became a global name overnight with his breakthrough role in Slumdog Millionaire (2008). Since then, he’s been delivering noteworthy performances in his movies, the latest being Lion (2016). Now, Dev is all set to make his directorial debut with a revenge drama titled, Monkey Man, which he has co-written as well. But fret not, he’s not hung up his acting boots yet, he will also star in it. The story revolves around the protagonist (Patel), who emerges from prison to fight off a world marred by “corporate greed and eroding spiritual values”. Set in modern-day India, Monkey Man will also have mythological influences. The film will go on floors in early 2019 in Mumbai.

This multi-talented Hollywood hottie has acted in movies, TV shows, music videos, produced movies and helmed short films as well as music videos in the past. This year, she turns a full-fledged director with Booksmart. Though Olivia will not act in the comedy flick, which releases next year, it will feature her husband Jason Sudeikis and Lisa Kudrow.

He began his career in showbiz with the popular soap Banegi Apni Baat (1996) and went on to act in Hindi and Tamil films. Now, the actor will switch gears and make his directorial debut with Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, based on the life of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan. Madhavan will not only co-direct the film with Anant Mahadevan, but will also play the protagonist in it. The trilingual, which will be made in English, Hindi and Tamil, is scheduled for a summer 2019 release.

The handsome actor has acted in plays, web series (Bang Baaja Baaraat), Hindi as well as Hollywood movies such as Furious 7 (2015) and Victoria & Abdul (2017). Ali, who didn’t find success in the initial phase of his career, found his breakthrough in Fukrey (2013) and since then, there has been no looking back for him. The 32-year-old has written the script for an as-yet-untitled short, which he plans to direct. Set between 2007-2017, it reportedly revolves around the cyber attacks during the decade. Plans are afoot to start filming it in January 2019. 

After giving memorable performances in movies such as The Hangover (2009), The Place Beyond The Pines (2012), Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and American Hustle (2013), Bradley went behind the camera with A Star Is Born. The romantic drama, which also marks the big-screen debut of pop star Lady Gaga, has won rave reviews. Apart from his acting prowess, the 43-year-old actor has impressed his fans with his singing skills and direction as well. We’re keeping our fingers crossed to see him in the director’s chair once again.   

The actor, who shot into the limelight as Jim in the American sitcom The Office, has featured in several Hollywood movies. This year, he made his directorial debut with A Quiet Place. The science-fiction horror flick was appreciated by critics and audiences alike. He wrote the script and also starred in the movie alongside wife Emily Blunt. Currently, John plays the titular role in the action political thriller web television series, Jack Ryan.