Fans of Suriya were eagerly awaiting his much-anticipated Hindi debut in the mythological epic “Karna,” directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. However, according to recent reports, the project with a humongous budget of Rs. 350 crores has been shelved by the makers.
The news comes as a shock to the film industry, especially considering the pre-production work that had already begun. Reports claim that pre-production of the film had already been started and makers have spent Rs.15 crores on it.
“Karna” was not only significant for being Suriya’s first Hindi film but also for its grand vision. The film aimed to explore the story of Karna, a complex and controversial character from the Mahabharata. Janhvi Kapoor was reportedly on board to play Draupadi, with actors Ali Fazal, Vijay Verma, and Avinash Tiwari cast in other pivotal roles.
The film promised to be a visual spectacle, leveraging cutting-edge special effects and high-quality post-production work. It was planned for a pan-India release, catering to audiences across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and possibly other languages.
While the official reason behind the shelving of the project remains unknown, sources close to the production have hinted at a complete cancellation. This news has reportedly left many associated with the project, including cast and crew members, disheartened.
The shelving of “Karna” raises several questions. Was it a budgetary concern that led to this decision? Did the makers face creative roadblocks or difficulties in finalizing the script or production logistics?
There has been no official confirmation from the production house, Excel Entertainment, regarding the cancellation of “Karna.” However, reports suggest that department heads within the production company have been informed about the project being shelved.
This news is particularly disappointing for fans of Suriya who were enthusiastic about seeing him venture into Hindi cinema. Suriya is a well-established actor in the South Indian film industry, known for his powerful performances and diverse filmography.
Janhvi Kapoor’s casting as Draupadi had also generated significant buzz. The young actress has been steadily carving her niche in Bollywood, and “Karna” would have been a significant platform for her to take on a challenging and iconic role.
The shelving of “Karna” is a setback for mythological epics in Indian cinema. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in exploring these timeless stories on the big screen. Films like “Baahubali” and “RRR” have demonstrated the potential of these narratives to captivate audiences worldwide.
While the fate of “Karna” remains uncertain, one can only hope that the project might be revived in the future. The story of Karna offers immense potential for a captivating cinematic experience, and with a talented director and cast on board, “Karna” could have been a landmark film in Indian cinema.
