Alia Bhatt to team up with Kalki fame Nag Ashwin for a pan-India film: What it could mean for women-centric projects

Alia Bhatt isn't letting the Jigra setback hold her back. The actor is teaming with Kalki director Nag Ashwin for a huge female-led project. According to a Mid-Day report, the role has been tailor-made for Alia that leverages her skills to play eccentric female characters on screen. With this new venture, Alia would hope to recreate a pan-India frenzy after the success of SS Rajamouli's RRR.

Alia Bhatt to star in Nag Ashwin's next: Report

The insider told the publication that both Alia and Ashwin are excited about this new project. Although officials have yet to confirm the news, sources close to the production reveal that both actors are eager to work together.

Ashwin has reportedly penned a script centred around a strong, complex female protagonist that perfectly suits Alia Bhatt's acting prowess. The character requires immense emotional depth and intensity, playing to the actor's strengths. The source further added that the makers are maintaining secrecy around the project until an official announcement is made.

"While the storyline remains a closely guarded secret, the narrative would tackle themes of personal resilience and empowerment in a unique, contemporary setting," the insider added.

A new era of female-centric films?

The Indian film industry has historically struggled with budget allocation for female-centric films, a concern highlighted by actress Kriti Sanon. Despite the growing success and critical acclaim of women-led movies, female-led films fail to garner enough resources to become visionary projects.

Earlier in an interview, Sanon, who garnered rave reviews for her role in her maiden production Do Patti, pointed out that female-centric films often face budget constraints, impacting their production quality and market reach. This disparity can limit the potential of these films, posing a challenge in standing tall against the bigger-budget mass entertainers.

However, Nag Ashwin has made a significant contribution to bridging this gap as he has been at the help of women-centric projects. He has previously written and directed the 2018 film Mahanati, based on the life of actress Savitri. It won Best Feature Film in Telugu while Keerthy Suresh bagged the Best Actress title at the 66th National Award.

If reports are to be believed, Ashwin, whose magnum opus Kalki made waves pan-India, has the backing of producers and aims to make it a huge pan-India film, promising a new era of female-led film. It remains uncertain if Alia has come on board as a producer for the film.

What's Alia Bhatt been up to?

Alia was last seen in Vasant Bala's Jigra with Vedang Raina. Based on the theme of a prison break, it was the first film that Alia shot post welcoming her and Ranbir Kapoor's daughter Raha. Despite critical acclaim, the film failed to deliver at the box office.

Up next, Alia has Alpha, an extension in the YRF's spy franchise, in her kitty. The film also stars Sharvari. Alia will once again team with her husband Ranbir and Vicky Kaushal for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War.