Imtiaz Ali hopes to collaborate with Fahadh Faasil after shelved project

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has expressed his desire to collaborate with National Award-winning actor Fahadh Faasil, saying the two remain in contact despite their earlier attempt to work together on a Hindi film failing to materialise.

Ali and Faasil had previously been associated with a proposed project titled "The Idiot of Istanbul", but the film did not move forward. The director said he remained hopeful that another opportunity would bring them together.

"I want to work with Fahadh Faasil, we tried to, but things didn't work out. We are in touch with each other and keen to work together. So, at some point of time, I hope to have the pleasure of working with Fahadh," Ali told PTI on the sidelines of a film festival.

The filmmaker did not disclose whether another project was currently being developed with Faasil or indicate when a collaboration might take shape.

𝗔𝗹𝗶 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀

Ali also responded to speculation surrounding the cast of his upcoming production "Heer Ranjha", which will be directed by his brother Sajid Ali.

Recent reports have suggested that actors Sara Arjun and Rohit Saraf would feature in the romantic drama. However, Ali stopped short of confirming the reported casting.

"Not all of it is true," he said when asked about the speculation.

The filmmaker did not clarify which aspects of the reports were inaccurate or provide further details about the actors being considered for the project.

𝗛𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗵𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗲

"Heer Ranjha" is being developed as the second instalment in the "Laila Majnu" franchise, drawing on another celebrated love legend from the subcontinent.

Ali is producing the film alongside Ektaa Kapoor, while Sajid Ali, who directed "Laila Majnu", will return to helm the new project.

Released in 2018, "Laila Majnu" starred Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary in the lead roles. Although the film struggled commercially during its original theatrical run, it subsequently developed a following.

Its re-release in 2024 brought renewed attention to the romantic drama and introduced it to a wider audience.

The upcoming film is expected to continue the franchise's association with classical love stories, although its casting and other production details remain to be formally announced.