Besides taking to social media in August to announce its star cast, director Karan Johar has been quite tight-lipped about his forthcoming period film Takht. Recently, actors Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh revealed to film critic Rajeev Masand that they will be playing the roles of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and his brother Dara Shikoh, respectively.
Now, KJo has revealed the plot of the film as well. In an interview with Neha Dhupia on her podcast #NoFilterNeha, Karan mentioned that Takht will be set during the Aurangzeb’s reign. It will be a fictional depiction of the battle for power between him and his sibling Dara Shikoh.
Karan went on to describe how the project was very close to his heart.
I’ve to say that Takht is hugely the most passionate piece of material that I think I will ever direct. I’m hugely passionate about it. I’ve been obsessed with the Mughal era ever since I can remember. That’s the one part of history that I was obsessed with in terms of its visual texture, its content, the controversies, the political betrayal, the love, the lust, the decadence, the debauchery, the madness, the violence. Everything about that era is exotic and its gorgeous and its absolutely beautiful.Karan Johar, Director
According to KJo, filming will begin between August and September, 2019, and wrap within six to eight months.
Takht features an impressive ensemble cast that will include Anil Kapoor, who will reportedly play Shah Jahan; Kareena Kapoor, who will essay the role of Aurangzeb’s sister Jahanara; and Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar. On the podcast, Karan said he was raring to get started.
I can’t wait to get into the prep mode, which I’ve already started off with. I can’t wait to put this film on floors and I can’t wait for the world to see it. I’m so excited about the cast, I’m so excited about Ranveer, Vicky, Bhumi, Kareena, Janhvi, Alia and Anil Kapoor, who I’m working with for the first time. So, I’ve told everybody in office that when I start the film, just leave me alone.
Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions is also producing another period drama, Kalank, featuring Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Varun Dhawan and Sanjay Dutt.
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