Is Priyanka Chopra to Blame for Jee Le Zaraa being Shelved?

Farhan Akhtar’s Jee Le Zaraa was first announced in 2021 and quickly became one of the most anticipated films as it would mark Priyanka Chopra’s Bollywood comeback.

The film will also star Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif.

But since the announcement, Jee Le Zaraa has still not gone into production and reports suggested that the delays were due to cast changes.

Speaking to Variety, Farhan admitted that the film is currently on the shelf, stating that the strikes in the United States have affected Priyanka’s schedule.

He said: “We just have issues with dates, and the actor’s strike that’s happened has put Priyanka’s dates into a huge tizzy with what can happen and what can’t, so I’ve started genuinely believing that that film now has a destiny of its own.

“It’ll happen when it has to, we’ll see.”

However, a report by Hindustan Times said the film was halted because Priyanka did not like the script.

A source said: “The truth is that Priyanka Chopra did not like the script and said to no it.

“She was supposed to come to India for sister Parineeti Chopra’s wedding and at the same time sign the film’s contract.

“But things could not be taken ahead because there were creative differences.”

Stating that the film remains shelved, the source continued:

“When a film fails to happen as per the initial plan, it takes time for the director and also to envisage a new way and decide whether he or she wants to take forward that story or not.

“Any which way it’s a dated story now as it’s already been delayed too much.

“It might take another two years for the film to go on floor.”

“The makers need to ensure that the story remains relevant for that time.”

The source added that directors and writers like “Zoya and Farhan look into all these details”.

It was previously reported that filming for Jee Le Zaraa would begin in 2023.

Priyanka shared a quick update: “Hopefully, we start shooting next year.”

Priyanka had said she called Alia and Katrina before anyone else came on board for the project as she wanted to do a Hindi film on the “terms of women”.

She said that her generation of actresses has opened the door for the next generation of actresses to be the faces on the posters and to be able to sell movies.

Priyanka added: “So, I really wanted to bring together my friends and say let’s create a movie that will do well at the box office and it will be ours…

“So, the stars aligned and we decided to do it.”