Riding high on the unexpected box office success of his Diwali release, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, actor Harshvardhan Rane is reportedly in advanced discussions with powerhouse producer Ekta Kapoor for an action-packed gangster drama. The potential collaboration marks a significant pivot for Rane, traditionally known for intense romantic roles, as he prepares to take on a dark, layered character in the crime genre.
Sources close to the development confirm that Ekta Kapoor’s production house, known for its gripping and emotionally charged narratives, is seriously considering Harshvardhan Rane to lead the upcoming project. The film, described as a contemporary gangster saga, aims to explore the ruthless yet human side of a criminal operating in a high-stakes environment.
Industry insiders suggest the script is loaded with high-octane action sequences, intense crime drama, and intricate character development. This kind of edgy, complex role offers Rane a perfect opportunity to break away from the ‘romantic hero’ image he cultivated with films like Sanam Teri Kasam and his latest hit, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat.
“Ekta Kapoor recognizes Rane’s ability to bring intense emotional depth to his performances,” a source stated. “This gangster film will leverage that intensity but channel it into a darker, more ambiguous character. It represents a bold, new step for Harshvardhan, establishing him firmly in the action-thriller space.”
While official details remain tightly guarded, initial reports hint that the movie will be set against the glamorous yet dangerous backdrop of Dubai. This international setting promises a slick, visually opulent texture to the film, a style Ekta Kapoor often employs in her big-canvas productions.
Fans of Ekta Kapoor’s previous ventures into the crime genre, such as the successful Shootout and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai franchises, are already speculating whether this new project could be related to one of her popular sagas. However, sources maintain that the film is currently being developed as a fresh, standalone gangster narrative with a modern, global edge. The talks are said to be in the final stages, and an official announcement from the production banner could be just around the corner.
Harshvardhan Rane’s current career momentum directly stems from the strong box office performance of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. Released during the competitive Diwali weekend, the romantic drama, despite facing a clash with a major horror-comedy, surpassed expectations, collecting over ₹37 crore net in its first five days against a modest budget.
The film’s success, particularly in drawing audiences to theatres with a unique storyline, has significantly boosted Rane’s market value. Trade analysts view the film’s consistent performance as a testament to Rane’s growing fanbase and his command over intense roles. This recent commercial win has clearly opened doors to bigger, genre-defying projects, including the potential collaboration with Ekta Kapoor.
Apart from the proposed gangster film, Harshvardhan Rane also has the action-romance drama Silaa in his pipeline, further showcasing his intent to diversify his roles and explore different facets of his acting talent.
