Have you heard? No half measures for Anushka Sharma

Jhulan Goswami and Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma is leaving no stone unturned in the making of her next, Chakda Xpress. The film, also produced by her, traces the inspiring journey of India's most decorated woman cricketer, Jhulan Goswami, who holds the world record for the highest wickets in international women's cricket. The actor, who has already begun prep for this project, has planned a month-long schedule in the UK this summer. "Anushka is going all out to make this the biggest film on a woman sports legend of India," says our source, adding, "With Chakda Xpress, she is looking to change the discourse of how sports films based on women should be mounted in India. There can be no half measures when you set out with a vision this lofty." After her productions Paatal Lok and Bulbbul made waves in Indian OTT entertainment, it will be fascinating to see her take on a sports drama.

Action time for John

John Abraham has action on his mind, in more ways than one. With his production, Attack, lined up for release on April 1 and the rights of the Force franchise acquired from filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the actor has now bagged director Arun Gopalan's Trehan. Inspired by true events, the film is produced by Dinesh Vijan. Incidentally, this action thriller is slated to release on January 26, 2023. The Republic Day window has already been booked by Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone-starrer Fighter and Ranbir Kapoor's next with director Luv Ranjan. Let's see which one will bow out of this three-way clash.

Nawaz, Vishal to team up?

Over four years ago, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vishal Bhardwaj's plans to work together didn't materialise. But now, it seems they may finally team up. The filmmaker reportedly narrated the subject to Nawaz, who is keen to headline the film. The yet-untitled project is said to roll soon after they wrap up their current commitments. Nawaz has Heropanti 2, Jogira Sara Ra Ra and Afwaah, while Bhardwaj has Khufiya and his son Aasmaan's directorial debut, Kuttey.

‘Nailed it holistically'

Neeta Lulla, who has styled Samantha for her titular role in the upcoming mythological, Shakuntalam, says the actor "has nailed the character holistically." The ace designer says, "The way she has moulded herself into the character is amazing. She appreciates the effort put in and works doubly hard to be true to her role. I can't stop being amazed by her scope of versatility."

Sidharth bids farewell to Oscar

Sidharth Malhotra is heartbroken with the passing away of his pet boxer, Oscar. Yesterday, the Shershaah actor shared a series of pictures and videos online, in the memory of his pet dog. He described Oscar as his "family here in Mumbai for over 11 years." Feeling a ‘massive void in his heart', Sidharth ended the post saying, "I am eternally grateful that he chose me in this world and taught me so much. Love you my Oscar."

Aryan makes the write choice

Shah Rukh Khan has often said that son Aryan doesn't harbour acting dreams. Instead, he wants to direct. The 24-year-old lad, who has studied screenplay writing and direction at USC School of Cinematic Arts, is reportedly working on a few subjects. While one is apparently a thriller for an OTT giant, he is also planning a movie for the big screen. It's still too early to say which will mark the directorial debut of the newest Khan on the block.

Animated Taarak Mehta on OTT

When every show is headed the OTT way, can Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma be left behind? After two seasons on TV last year, the animated version of the sitcom will begin streaming on Netflix from tomorrow. Thrilled about the show reaching the OTT audience, producer Asit Kumarr Modi enthuses, "It is becoming more and more evident that so long as the content is great, it can be seamlessly adapted across platforms. The streaming of our show in its animated version reiterates that pure humour can bring about a positive transformation in our society, and spreading joy is pivotal to our ethos."