Deepika Padukone backs out of Amitabh Bachchan’s The Intern.
The belated Hindi remake of The Intern is moving forward with a significant transformation in its casting plans. Deepika Padukone, originally set to star alongside Amitabh Bachchan, has backed out from the Amitabh Bachchan starrer. Instead, she will exclusively focus on producing the film under her banner
KA Productions.
The film, based on the 2015 Hollywood hit featuring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro, has encountered multiple setbacks since
KA Productions in 2020 acquired the rights. Initially, Rishi Kapoor was to be in it. But following his demise by Rishi Kapoor, the project was without a lead until Amitabh Bachchan came on board. Regardless renewed announcements, filming never began, with the pandemic, Padukone’s maternity break, and shifting schedules which pushed the production further.
For nearly five years, the project remained on hold notwithstanding high-profile talent and strong studio support.
A source close to the development confirms that Deepika will now be involved solely as a producer and distance from acting will distance from acting in the film to serve solely as a producer, overseeing the creative and logistical reboot.
A new leading lady is being cast to play the part she was once slated to perform.”
The source went on to add that Padukone is using this shift to expand her creative horizons. “The Intern is the first of five projects she plans to mount in the coming year. She is looking to tell stories that are globally relevant.”
Speaking about the film in 2020, Deepika had said, “The Intern is an intimate, relationship-driven film, set in and around the workplace; a story that she believes is very relevant to the present-day social and cultural environment. She has have been looking for a light, breezy comedy-drama and this story fits in seamlessly. She cannot wait to begin this journey.
As per Deepika’s 2021 Instagram post,
‘The Intern” remake will be co-produced by Sunil Kheterpal co-produces The Intern with Warner Brothers India, Ka Productions and Azure Entertainment collaborating on the film. Amit Ravindernath Sharma was to direct the film, supposed to release in the summer of 2022.
The Intern has inspired other versions, including a Japanese TV adaptation titled Unicorn Ni Notte in 2022, where Hidetoshi Nishijima played the Robert De Niro role and Mei Nagano took on Anne Hathaway’s character.
News Edit KV Raman
