Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor front-runners for Rajkumar Hirani’s upcoming Lala Amarnath biopic

New Delhi: Celebrated filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, renowned for cinematic gems like “3 Idiots,” is set to tackle the riveting life story of Independent India’s inaugural cricket captain, Lala Amarnath. In an exclusive revelation, Pinkvilla has learned that Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor are the leading contenders to take on the central role in this sports biopic, although the final choice will hinge on the script’s readiness.

Hirani, known for his meticulous casting decisions, has cast his net wide for this significant project. An inside source divulged, “Hirani wants to make it either with Aamir or with Ranbir. Like his previous films, this one has also first gone to Aamir, who has liked the script and shown his interest. In case Aamir passes it up, the filmmaker will go to Ranbir, who headlined his last blockbuster, ‘Sanju.’ Hirani has briefly spoken to Ranbir about it and will formally approach him after Aamir’s final response.”

The much-anticipated “Lala Amarnath” biopic is currently in the scripting phase and is poised to commence filming in the latter half of 2024. The eventual selection between Aamir and Ranbir will also be contingent on their commitments to other ongoing projects. Aamir, reportedly kicking off an undisclosed project in January 2024, will need to manage his schedule. Likewise, Ranbir Kapoor is locked into Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious “Ramayana,” scheduled for production in the first quarter of 2024.

Regarding these scheduling challenges, the source elaborated, “Ramayana is a project with extensive pre- and post-production requirements. It will necessitate relatively less physical shoot time, thanks to Chroma technology. Aamir’s next venture is also a medium-budget production set to wrap up in just three months. Hirani is currently collaborating closely with writers, fine-tuning the narrative of Lala Amarnath’s life, and will make his casting decision post the release of ‘Dunki.'”

In a fascinating turn of events, should neither Aamir Khan nor Ranbir Kapoor be available for this prestigious role, Hirani is considering another talented option. Vicky Kaushal, who previously worked with Hirani in “Sanju” and is set to appear in the upcoming “Dunki,” is on the director’s radar.

“Dunki,” a much-anticipated collaboration between Rajkumar Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan, offers a unique take on the rampant use of an illicit immigration route known as the ‘Donkey Flight.’ The film’s narrative delves into the adventurous journeys of Indians attempting to migrate to nations such as Canada and the USA. Penned by Hirani’s regular collaborators Abhijat Joshi and Kanika Dhillon, “Dunki” features an ensemble cast, including Taapsee Pannu and Boman Irani in pivotal roles. Audiences can anticipate its theatrical release on December 22, 2023.