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Saif Ali Khan has kicked off filming for an upcoming period drama directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Ritesh Batra in Mumbai as the team looks for Priyanka Chopra's replacement.
The Barfi! actress has reportedly bowed out of the upcoming movie due to scheduling conflict.
Priyanka Chopra exits Ritesh Batra's project
As reported by Mid-Day, a source shared that while Chopra had been looking forward to working with Khan and Batra, her existing commitments made it difficult to accommodate the filming schedule.
Furthermore, it was revealed that attempts to adjust the dates turned out to be fruitless.
"Priyanka was expected to join the Mumbai shoot. However, she had to bow out of the film. She was keen to headline it, and work with both Saif and Ritesh. Her existing professional commitments, however, led to a scheduling conflict. The team explored the possibility of working the dates around, but it just didn't work out," an insider noted
The makers are said to be considering two actors for the female lead; however, details remain undisclosed.
While details about the project remained under wraps, the surprising actor-director pairing has sparked buzz, as fans look forward to the new film.
About 'The Lunchbox'
Batra rose to international prominence with his 2013 directorial debut, The Lunchbox, starring Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
The film, which explored an unexpected emotional connection between two strangers in Mumbai, received widespread appreciation for its understated storytelling and performances.
Following the success of The Lunchbox, Batra ventured into international cinema with projects including The Sense of an Ending and Netflix's Our Souls at Night, which featured Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.
Saif Ali Khan's chaotic 2026
Meanwhile, Khan had a busy 2026, as the actor garnered attention for his portrayal of a morally conflicted police officer in Netflix crime drama Kartavya.
He also appeared alongside Akshay Kumar in Priyadarshan's theatrical action thriller Haiwaan.
Khan is also associated with projects including Devara Part 2 and Race 4, among other potential franchise instalments.
