“There are several reasons why it has happened."
Karan Johar has reportedly shelved his period drama Takht for good, disappointing those who were excited about the film.
The ambitious project was first announced in 2018 and it excited moviegoers, especially because the film was set to feature an all-star cast.
This included the likes of Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor.
However, the film has encountered problems. It was set to go on floors in 2020 but was halted due to Covid-19.
A source has now said the project has been shelved permanently, saying:
“Karan Johar’s ambitious project Takht has been shelved permanently. It was put on hold due to Covid-19 earlier.
“However, the team developing it have been having a hard time sort their creative differences and be on the same page.”
The source went on to reveal the reasons for the film’s axing.
“There are several reasons why it has happened. To begin with, it’s too costly a film. Its budget is expected to be around Rs. 250-300 crores (£25 million – £30 million).
“Like every other producer, even Karan had to bear losses due to Covid-19.
“Also, his expensive films like Brahmastra and Liger are already in production or awaiting release, along with his mid-sized ones like Shershaah, Dostana 2, Jug Jugg Jeeyo and Shakun Batra’s next.
“Adding Takht to this list won’t be a good idea.
“Since the very beginning, no studio was on board for the film.
“It was believed that Fox Star Studios was backing Takht because of its partnership with Dharma.
“But the fact is that Fox was never on board. Karan tried pitching Takht to other studios but his efforts proved futile.”
The source also claimed that the film’s release may result in political tension but provided hope that the film may get an eventual release in the future.
“Takht is based on Mughal history. The current political climate is volatile and you never know when things can get ugly.
“We all saw what happened with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat (2018).
“Karan felt that there’s no way he can risk taking such a project in such times as a lot of money would then be at stake.
“As a result, Karan Johar has decided to shelve Takht for now. He might revive the project maybe after a couple of years.”
This has disappointed many, including a trade expert who said:
“Takht looked like a winner. What star cast!
“Also, it surely would have been a visually spectacular film and something that could have worked big time in cinemas.
“I hope after a few years, Karan has a rethink and goes ahead with the film.”
Karan Johar had previously said the film was close to his heart.
According to the source, Karan is now set to work on a romance, reportedly bringing in Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.
“The managers of the actors have been informally told about this decision.
“Meanwhile, Karan Johar has decided to rope in two of the actors of Takht – Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt – for a love story.
“It’s a space that Karan is familiar with and moreover, it’s also a safe bet.”
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