Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur over a media interaction opened up on his ambitious, long-delayed film “Paani” revealing that the project fell through due to creative and casting disagreements with Yash Raj Films notwithstanding six months of
pre-production and preparation with lead actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
The key reason for putting “Paani” in the back- burner he cited that it was YRF’s decision not to move forward with Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead role, which led to the project stalling.
Notedly Shekar and YRF head Aditya Chopra had differing visions for the film and Shekhar noted Kapur that their agreement was that YRF would handle the business although he had creative control, but Chopra later felt he could not support the project’s direction as closely as he was accustomed to.
Shekhar went on to express intense regret, mentioning that he and Sushant had spent six months preparing for the film.
He further termed the abandonment of the project as a “heartbreak,” comparing it to a situation where you love someone and they do not love you back.
Shekar further stated that if the film is ever made, he will dedicate it to the late Sushant Singh Rajput.
Regardless the setback, he mentioned that he has not completely abandoned the project and has even considered reviving it using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
“Paani” was planned as a dystopian drama set in a future city where the wealthy control the water supply. The veteran filmmaker also shared that
Kapur also he has been trying to make this film for roughly 15 years, noting that some films have their own “destiny” and choose when they want to be made.
News Edit KV Raman
