Date: November 16, 2024
Shahid Kapoor Ashwatthama on Hold as Budget Exceeds 500 Cr!
Bollywood’s Ambitious Shahid Kapoor Ashwatthama Hits a Budget Roadblock
The trend of big-budget mythological films in Bollywood gained momentum after the success of the Baahubali franchise. Now, another highly anticipated project, Ashwatthama, starring Shahid Kapoor, has hit a snag. Produced by Vashu Bhagnani with Amazon Studios as a partner, the film was poised to be a grand spectacle based on the legendary warrior Ashwatthama from Indian mythology. However, it seems the project has been paused due to an overwhelming surge in production costs.
Budget Soars Beyond 500 Crore, Production Halted
Ashwatthama was initially planned with an impressive budget of ₹500 crore, aiming to set a new benchmark for Indian cinema on a global scale. The film was supposed to be a high-octane fantasy action drama, shot across multiple international locations, showcasing the grandeur of Indian mythology. But recent reports suggest that the project is now facing logistical and budgetary challenges. The costs have ballooned beyond the anticipated budget, prompting the makers to put the film on hold.
The ambitious project was set to be one of Amazon Prime Video’s flagship productions in India. The streaming giant intended to tap into the global market by leveraging India’s rich mythological history. Unfortunately, the unforeseen budget escalation has led to a temporary halt, leaving fans eagerly awaiting updates.
Shahid Kapoor Role as Ashwatthama and the Project’s Scale
Shahid Kapoor, known for his versatile performances, was roped in to play the titular role of Ashwatthama. The film was set to be a visual extravaganza, with state-of-the-art VFX and elaborate action sequences. Kapoor’s role was expected to bring a unique intensity to the legendary character, making it one of his most challenging projects to date. The storyline was designed to explore Ashwatthama’s journey, adding a blend of fantasy, drama, and mythology.
However, the mounting expenses for visual effects, international shoots, and elaborate sets contributed to the budget spiraling out of control. With Amazon Prime Video’s involvement, the film was expected to set new standards for Indian OTT content, but the cost overruns have forced the production team to take a step back for now.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Recent Portrayal of Ashwatthama in Kalki 2898 AD
Interestingly, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan recently portrayed the character of Ashwatthama in the futuristic film Kalki 2898 AD. His performance garnered rave reviews, sparking renewed interest in mythological characters. This further added to the anticipation surrounding Shahid Kapoor’s version of Ashwatthama. However, with the current production hiccups, fans may have to wait longer to see Shahid in this epic role.
What Lies Ahead for Ashwatthama?
The fate of Ashwatthama remains uncertain as the producers are reportedly re-evaluating the financial viability of the project. While the team is committed to bringing this larger-than-life vision to the screen, it’s clear that adjustments will need to be made to keep the film on track. There’s hope that with some budget restructuring, Ashwatthama might still see the light of day, albeit on a more controlled scale.