Content overlap in Bollywood, where multiple projects explore similar themes, has become a common occurrence. A recent example is the parallel development of projects like The Waking of a Nation and Kesari Chapter 2, both delving into the lead-up to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Similarly, Kartik Aaryan and Anurag Basu’s upcoming film bears a striking resemblance to Mohit Suri’s romantic drama, as both explore a musician’s journey through heartbreak and stardom.
But a more subdued yet just as fierce battle is being waged in the background as Bollywood’s top stars—Hrithik Roshan, Kartik Aaryan, and Ranveer Singh—all work on their own zombie action movies, hoping to be the first to bring this genre on a large scale to Indian cinema.
Hrithik Roshan’s Ambitious Zombie Film
Hrithik Roshan has made the strongest moves in this direction, having acquired the adaptation rights of Will Smith’s 2007 release I Am Legend for a reputed 12 crores. The movie is in the process of being developed under Hrithik’s production house, with Kill director Nikhil Bhat being approached to direct it. But the status of this film is not confirmed, as Hrithik’s much-delayed Krrish 4 might be prioritized if the production process commences at an early date. Both projects are yet to have their production schedules confirmed.
Ranveer Singh and Kartik Aaryan Join the Zombie Fray
Not to be outdone, Ranveer Singh is also stepping into the zombie and post-apocalyptic genre with a movie in the works through his own production house. Slated to release later this year, Ranveer’s zombie action film will be one of a varied slate that also features a mythological action drama under Uri: The Surgical Strike director Aditya Dhar.
On a parallel note, Kartik Aaryan is collaborating with T-Series head Bhushan Kumar on creating an expansive zombie movie with the intent of making a considerable contribution to the genre in Bollywood.
A Silent Race Behind the Scenes
Hrithik’s film has progressed the farthest, while Kartik and Ranveer’s are merely in the beginning stages of conceptualization. A trade source referred to the scenario as a “silent war” between these Bollywood giants, with all three actors being represented by the same talent agency, Collective Artists Network. The fact that they share representation has brought a fascinating dimension to this war, with each actor’s management trying to outdo the other in this cutthroat race to produce Bollywood’s first big zombie action movie.
Since the projects are in their infancy, it is anyone’s guess who will eventually bring the genre-defining zombie movie that Bollywood enthusiasts have been waiting for.
