Anurag Kashyap to play Vijay Mallya in ‘File No 323’?

Indian filmmaker and actor Anurag Kashyap is in talks to play Vijay Mallya in File No 323.

Sources say the shooting for the film will commence on November 20, 2022.

It was recently revealed that director Karthik. K, an associate director on Shankar’s landmark films like Shivaji, Aparichit, and 2.0, is set to make his directorial debut with a film set against the backdrop of India’s economic fugitives.

The film will be based on real-life scams by top businessmen like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Mehul Choksi.

A source close to the development said: “The makers are in advanced talks with Anurag Kashyap to play the role of Vijay Mallya in the film.

“Director Karthik K has a certain vision to make the film on a grand scale and he will be presenting Vijay Mallya with complete flamboyance.

“The scale too will be big, with all the flights, charters, parties, and controversies making up for a spicy story.”

The source further said: “Other key stakeholders around the life of Vijay Mallya will be locked soon.”

Kashyap will get a prosthetic makeover to play the role of Mallya on screen.

The film will go on floors from November 20, 2022, in Mumbai, which will be followed by schedules in various European countries, including the UK.

The source added: “The idea is to revisit his controversial life and showcase his lifestyle after fleeing from India.”

“His character will be seen living a king-size life surrounded by models, with those yacht parties, high-end cars, and a lot more.”

File No. 323 is produced by Kalol Das, Mihir Mutta, Prateebha Vyas, and Vakil Khan.

It is expected to be a big release in theatres in 2023.

The casting for the character of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi is underway.

Meanwhile, writer-director Anurag Kashyap was in Himachal Pradesh to participate in the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF).

Writer Varun Grover and Oscar-nominated documentary filmmakers Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh were also part of the event.

They hosted masterclasses and panel discussions.

On November 5, 2022, Anurag shared a photo of him meeting the Dalai Lama at the event.

Posting a picture on Instagram, he wrote: “This happened today @diff.india.”

In the photo, while the Dalai Lama is seen smiling, with his hands folded as he meets Anurag, the latter shakes hands with one of the disciples.

The Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) was held at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamshala from November 3 to November 6, 2022.

A total of 80 films from 32 countries — including 21 feature narratives, 16 feature documentaries, and 43 short films — were screened during the physical edition of the festival.