Bollywood icon Salman Khan is in talks to lead a compelling period thriller under the direction of renowned filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan. This potential collaboration, a significant departure from Khan’s recent films, is generating considerable buzz in the industry. The film, which will be set against the gritty backdrop of the 1970s to 1990s, has reportedly received an initial nod from the actor, and a full-length narration is scheduled to take place soon.
Salman Khan Explores New Genres with Mahesh Narayanan
The collaboration between Salman Khan and Mahesh Narayanan signals a new and exciting phase in the superstar’s career. Sources reveal that the duo has been “brainstorming several concepts,” and Salman Khan has given his initial nod to an action-packed period thriller. This project would be a significant step outside of Khan’s typical action-entertainer mold, showcasing his desire to explore new genres that challenge him as an actor. Mahesh Narayanan, known for directing critically acclaimed and hard-hitting Malayalam films like “Malik,” “C U Soon,” and “Take Off,” is seen as the perfect filmmaker to bring this gritty period drama to life.
Sources close to the development state that Salman Khan has been particularly impressed with the idea and the world it’s set in, a world he has “not explored before.” The discussions are now in advanced stages, with the superstar expressing a strong interest in the initial storyline. The final clarity on this collaboration is expected before the end of this year.
Salman’s Current Focus: Galwan War Drama with Apoorva Lakhia
At present, Salman Khan is fully immersed in the shooting of his much-anticipated Galwan war drama directed by Apoorva Lakhia paired with Chitrangada Singh. The film, which is based on the heroic events of the Galwan Valley clash of 2020, is an ambitious project with an extensive shooting schedule. Khan is set to head to Ladakh later this month for a crucial month-long schedule, with the film’s production expected to be completed by November 2025.
Should the collaboration with Mahesh Narayanan get the green light, production on the period thriller is likely to kick off in early 2026. This timeline would allow both the actor and the director to complete their current commitments before embarking on this major project. This positions the film as a likely addition to Salman Khan’s 2026 lineup, joining other speculated projects such as the “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” sequel with director Kabir Khan.
The Director: Mahesh Narayanan’s Visionary Storytelling
Mahesh Narayanan’s reputation as a filmmaker is built on his ability to craft character-driven narratives with a strong sense of realism and social commentary. His directorial style is known for being hard-hitting and emotionally resonant, a stark contrast to some of the larger-than-life, stylized films Salman Khan is typically known for. This unique blend of a star with a mass following and a director with a distinct artistic vision could result in a powerful and memorable cinematic experience for audiences.
The proposed film is a period thriller set between the 1970s and 1990s, an era of significant social, political, and cultural shifts in India. This setting offers a rich canvas for a compelling story, full of potential for a gritty, action-packed, and emotionally layered narrative. The film’s backdrop could explore themes of crime, politics, and social change during this turbulent time, providing a fresh and unseen dimension to a Salman Khan film.
This news comes at a time when Salman Khan seems to be strategically choosing projects that offer him a chance to push his boundaries as an actor, a move that is being lauded by fans and critics alike. With “Galwan” being a patriotic war drama and the new project being a period thriller, the superstar seems to be actively seeking roles that provide a fresh challenge.
The potential collaboration between Salman Khan and Mahesh Narayanan is an exciting development that could herald a new era of storytelling for the superstar and set a new standard for pan-Indian cinema.
