Vicky Kaushal to reunite with ‘Uri’ director Aditya Dhar to play Ashwatthama on screen

This year, we were introduced to Major Vihaan Singh Shergill played by Vicky Kaushal in ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’. The film was directed by debutante Aditya Dhar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala. The trio are now reuniting for a period-war film that revolves around the mythological character of Ashwatthama.

Following the success of the true-life military action film ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, Vicky will play the titular role in the yet-untitled film. “After ‘Uri’, the makers wanted to return with something big and interesting. Aditya has been working on this script since a long time, even before ‘Uri’ released, and when he sounded out Ronnie and Vicky, they immediately jumped on board. The film will be mounted on a big scale and will be shot later this year,” informs a source close to the development.

Son of guru Dronacharya and Kripi, Ashwatthama fought with the Kauravas against the Pandavas in Mahabharat’s Kurukshetra war. A Chiranjivi (immortal beings who according to Hindu mythology will last as long as Kalyug), Ashwatthama was born with a gem in his forehead which gave him power over all living beings lower than humans and protected him from hunger, thirst and fatigue.

In an interview to Mumbai Mirror (March 6), Aditya had revealed that his next is one of the scripts he’s written over the last seven years. At the time, he was also toying with the idea of reviving ‘Raat Baaki’, originally planned with Katrina Kaif and Fawad Khan. It was put on hold after the ban on Pakistani artistes following the ‘Uri’ attacks. “Everybody was sad when things didn’t materialise,” he admitted, adding, “But I don’t rule out the possibility of another film either.”

Vicky whose upcoming films include an untitled horror film, Karan Johar’s ‘Takht’ and Shoojit Sircar’s Udham Singh biopic will begin prep closer to the shoot. “Aditya is already neck-deep in research and will go on a recce soon. The film will be shot all over India and the makers are targeting a mid-2020 release,” added by the source.

Also Read: Say What? Vicky Kaushal wanted to change “How’s The Josh?” dialogue in ‘Uri’

Prateek Sur

Born a Movie Buff, working as a Film Critique and enjoying life as a Bollywood Reporter.

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