Delay in Meena Kumari biopic; Kriti Sanon-starring Manish Malhotra's directorial debut now set for 2025 start

Manish Malhotra’s directorial debut with the Meena Kumari biopic has been postponed for script refinement.

Kriti Sanon in Meena Kumari biopic

Fans of the late actor have eagerly anticipated Manish Malhotra's biopic of Meena Kumari which will star Kriti Sanon as the actor. Regrettably, it seems that the highly anticipated project has experienced yet another delay.

Delayed announcement of Manish Malhotra's directorial debut

Sources informed Mid Day that Malhotra has delayed the announcement of his debut directing project from October until the beginning of 2025. The postponement of the biopic is nothing new. Originally scheduled to launch in October 2023, it experienced a one-year delay.

ALSO READ: Kriti Sanon talks about the Manish Malhotra directorial, Meena Kumari biopic: ‘It is in the scripting stage’

The delay was caused by rumours that the writers were going back to the drawing board to ensure the realisation of Malhotra's vision. Various script analysts will review the information prior to production, according to the source. In the long run, perhaps the squad will benefit from the delay. They have plenty of time for pre-production because it's a historical drama. Recreating the costumes worn by one of the best actors in Hindi films is an important element of telling his narrative. The first part of 2025 is when it will probably roll out.

Kriti Sanon takes on her first biographical role

Sanon has been acting for ten years, but this is her first biography. The film, which has no title as of yet, will celebrate Kumari's life and work. Tragically, her death in 1972 abruptly ended her career. She was known as the "Tragedy Queen" for her roles in moving films, and she was responsible for some of the most iconic films in Indian cinema, including Baiju Bawra (1952), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), and Pakeezah (1972).

Earlier, in an interview with Film Companion, Malhotra had spoken about directing the biopic, stating, "I don’t know how it got out, but it is happening. We are still working on the script. The script is key, always. I have been reading her books. The film is based on her books. I have always been fascinated by Meena Kumari."

Recognising Meena Kumari's brilliance

The renowned fashion designer stated that one will begin to recognize Meena Kumari's brilliance around the age of 40. Rekha shared this information with him, and he concurred. Malhotra didn't really appreciate Meena Kumari, Nargis Ji, Dilip Kumar, or Guru Dutt's brilliance till he turned 40, although he was young and had a lot on his plate at the time. It all made sense as he started watching the film. Meena Kumari's adaa, eye movements, and expressions are truly remarkable.

ALSO READ: Kriti Sanon to recreate Meena Kumari’s charm in Manisha Malhotra’s directorial debut film?

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