Filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra has revealed that the script for the much-anticipated Meena Kumari biopic, reportedly titled ‘Kamal Aur Meena’, is now complete, and its foundation is unlike anything seen before in Indian biographical cinema, drawn entirely from personal letters and diary entries left behind by the legendary actor herself.
Meena Kumari’s own words at the heart of the script
Speaking to Mid-Day, Siddharth P Malhotra disclosed that the script has been built from an extraordinary archive of correspondence between Meena Kumari and her filmmaker-husband Kamal Amrohi. “Luckily, we have their handwritten love letters and diaries. So, our film is based on their 2000 letters and diary notes. In a way, they have told us what to write, in their own words,” he said.The film is set to explore the deeply complex and tragic relationship between Kumari and Amrohi, with a significant focus on their iconic 1972 film ‘Pakeezah’. The screenplay has been crafted by acclaimed writers Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Munir.
Casting still underway
With the script locked, the production is now focused on assembling its cast. Malhotra confirmed, “We have finished the scripting and are working towards the casting. The project will hopefully roll by the year-end.”Speculation has been rife about who will portray Meena Kumari on screen, with Kiara Advani‘s name surfacing repeatedly in reports. However, the director was clear that nothing has been finalised. “Till it’s not locked, it’s not locked. It’s [how] the business is. It’s not only the actor; it’s the overall cost of the thing [that is a determinant],” he said.
Another Meena Kumari biopic was shelved
‘Kamal Aur Meena’ is not the only biopic that was announced on the legendary actor. Fashion designer-turned-producer Manish Malhotra had also announced a biopic on Meena Kumari with Kriti Sanon in the lead role. That project was subsequently shelved.
About the director’s upcoming release
Siddharth P Malhotra’s next release is ‘Ikka’, a film starring Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna, set to stream on Netflix from July 10.
