Indian film director Puri Jagannath is reportedly working on an action film involving an international superstar and an Indian action star.
Reports have leaked that the award-winning filmmaker has tapped none other than Jackie Chan to star in his film.
Earlier reports have claimed that the project is an action-adventure film although no details of its plot or other cast members have come to light yet. But speculations say that Chan is not the only international star being eyed to be in the ensemble cast.
Rumors have also surfaced that the upcoming film has a huge budget and that filming is slated to start by late next year in time for its targeted release date of early or mid-2017.
According to Filmbeat, Puri really wanted to keep the identity of the actors he wants to be in his film a secret.
The 49-year-old film producer said that when he gets the go signal from the international star, then he will reveal the details of the film.
However, a certain report has been unearthed indicating that Puri has indeed asked Jackie Chan to be the lead of the yet untitled film.
When news surfaced that Chan is indeed the actor being eyed to be the lead in his film, Puri was shocked how it came out, but eventually admitted that he is eyeing the “Forbidden Kingdom” actor for the action film.
Despite the name of the “Rush Hour” actor being weaved in the film, there has yet to be an official confirmation from him that he is indeed doing the film with Puri.
However, some fans have noted that it’s definitely worth it if “The Tuxedo” actor will be under the direction of Puri as the man himself has earned his rightful place in the world of Indian cinema.
Jagannath has been working on Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, for almost 20 years now and has directed a slew of movies, some of which have earned multiple recognitions.
His 2006 film “Pokiri” was widely praised and was even remade into several Indian languages.
The film tells a story of an undercover police officer who infiltrates a mafia gang headed by a Dubai-based mastermind.
“Pokiri” also catapulted Puri’s name to national recognition. His 2011 film “Buddha… Hoga Terra Baap” was archived in the Oscar library. Also, he is a three-time Nandi Award recipient.
On the other hand, Puri’s chances of the Chinese actor saying yes to him is quite big as Puri’s friend, Indian actor Sonu Sood is currently working with Chan for their upcoming blockbuster movie “Kung Fu Yoga.”
“Kung Fu Yoga” narrates the story of Jack, played by Chan, who teams up with two Indian professors to locate India’s Magadha treasure lost in Tibet.
During their journey, they are joined by other characters that help them in their search for the treasure.
The film is slated to be released next year and is directed by Stanley Tong. It also stars Amyra Dastur and Aarif Rahman.
Reports say that Puri has reached the “Shanghai Noon” star through Sood, who is currently filming with the 61-year-old actor in India and Beijing all throughout the month of December.
Meanwhile, aside from Jackie Chan being onboard, Indian actor Mahesh Babu is also rumored to be sharing the screen with the Hong Kong actor in the upcoming film.
According to Telegraph, during the campaign of his upcoming film “Loafer,” Puri revealed that he is taking a shot to star Mahesh in his film, but he is currently occupied with his other ventures.
The filmmaker adds that once Babu is done with his prior commitments, he really plans to join him in his movie. Aside from being an actor, Babu has also ventured into business and philanthropy.