film producer Siddharth P. Malhotra It has been revealed that the script for the much-anticipated Meena Kumari biopic, said to be titled Kamal Aur Meena, is now complete and will be based unlike anything seen in Indian biopics, being entirely based on personal letters and diaries left behind by the legendary actor himself.
The core of the script is Meena Kumari’s own words
In an interview with Mid Day, Siddharth P Malhotra revealed that the script was based on the extraordinary archive of letters between Meena Kumari and her filmmaker-husband Kamal Amrohi. “Fortunately, we have their handwritten love letters and diaries. So, our film is based on 2,000 of their letters and diaries. In a way, they told us in their own words what to write,” he said.The film explores the deeply complex and tragic relationship between Kumari and Amrohi, focusing on their iconic 1972 film Pakeezah. The script is written by renowned writers Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Munir.
Casting still ongoing
With the script locked, the production team is now focusing on assembling the cast. Malhotra confirmed, “We have completed writing the script and are working on casting. The project is expected to be launched by the end of the year.”Speculations are rife as to who will play Meena Kumari on screen; Kiara AdvaniHis name appeared in reports many times. However, the director made it clear that nothing has been finalized yet. “Until it’s unlocked, it’s unlocked. It’s [how] Business is. It’s not just the actors; it’s the total cost of things [that is a determinant]”he said.
Another Meena Kumari biopic shelved
Kamal Or Meena is not the only biopic about the legendary actor. Fashion designer-turned-producer Manish Malhotra has also announced a biopic on Meena Kumari starring Kriti Sanon. The project was subsequently shelved.
About the director’s upcoming films
Siddharth P Malhotra’s next film is “Ikka” starring Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna, which will be released on Netflix on July 10.
