Agencies | Mumbai:
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is reportedly preparing to turn his attention to his next production as his much-awaited film Love & War nears completion. The filmmaker is said to be backing a biopic on legendary Hindi cinema actress Madhubala, with Dhurandhar actor Sara Arjun reportedly set to portray the iconic star.
The yet-to-be-titled project will reportedly be directed by Jasmeet K Reen, best known for helming Darlings. According to a Mid-Day report, filming is expected to begin in September, with preparations for the project already underway.
The reported casting of Sara Arjun places the young actor at the centre of a project based on one of the most celebrated figures in the history of Indian cinema.
According to the report, the film is expected to go on floors at Royal Palms in Goregaon, Mumbai, shortly after Bhansali completes shooting for Love & War. The same location is reportedly being used for Bhansali’s current project and will subsequently be transformed to recreate the world of the Madhubala biopic.
“After the Love & War shoot concludes in August-end, the production design team of the Madhubala biopic will start work on transforming the space. The film is expected to roll in September,” the report said.
Sara has reportedly already begun preparing for the demanding role, with the filmmakers focusing on Madhubala’s personality, mannerisms and the era in which she lived and worked.
While Bhansali is associated with the project as producer, Jasmeet K Reen is expected to direct the film. Reen previously directed Darlings, starring Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah.
The biopic is expected to explore the life and career of Madhubala, although details about its screenplay, timeline and other cast members have not yet been officially revealed.
Madhubala remains one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring stars. Born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi, she rose to prominence during the golden era of Indian cinema and became known for her beauty, screen presence and versatility.
Her filmography includes classics such as Mahal, Mr & Mrs 55, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Barsaat Ki Raat. However, it was her portrayal of Anarkali in K Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam that cemented her place in cinematic history.
Madhubala died in 1969 at the age of 36, cutting short a remarkable career that had already made her one of the most recognisable faces of Indian cinema.
Before moving to the Madhubala project, Bhansali is reportedly focused on completing Love & War, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.
The final portions of the film are reportedly being shot at Royal Palms, with the production expected to wrap by the end of August.
The film marks another collaboration between Bhansali and Ranbir, nearly two decades after the filmmaker launched him as a leading actor with Saawariya in 2007. Bhansali is also reuniting with Alia following the success of Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Set against the backdrop of war, Love & War reportedly follows an intense relationship involving its three central characters, with Ranbir and Vicky said to be portraying military officers whose lives become intertwined with Alia’s character.
The film is currently scheduled for theatrical release on January 21, 2027.
The three lead actors also have major projects lined up after Love & War.
Ranbir Kapoor is set to appear in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1 and also has Animal Park and Brahmastra Part 2 in development.
Alia Bhatt is expected to return for the next instalment of the Brahmastra franchise, while Vicky Kaushal is reportedly attached to the mythological action drama Mahavatar.
For Bhansali, meanwhile, the reported Madhubala biopic could mark another ambitious venture into the world of larger-than-life Indian cinema—this time telling the story of one of its most unforgettable icons.
