Ashutosh Gowariker announces his next

Noted filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has announced his next historical film, featuring Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Kapoor and Kriti Sanon in principal roles. On Wednesday morning, the award-winning director took to his Twitter handle to unveil the first teaser poster of the movie along with announcing its official release date. Titled Panipat, the period drama has locked 6th December 2019 for release.

Ashutosh, who has previously helmed successful period films like Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar, has based his next on the third battle of Panipat, which took place in 1761 between a northern expeditionary force of the Maratha Empire and invading forces of the King of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Abdali, supported by two Indian allies, the Rohilla Afghans of the Doab and Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh.

On being asked how did he come about roping in Sanjay Dutt, Gowariker said in a statement: “I have shared screen space with Sanjay in Naam, which was a memorable co-acting experience and now it will be great to direct such a versatile and immensely talented actor as him.”

Talking about Arjun Kapoor, he said, “What impresses me most about Arjun, apart from his fine performances, is his dynamism. He has played double roles twice, and he has portrayed an action hero as well as a lover boy.”

“I needed someone really beautiful as well as a good performer, and Kriti is both. The eclectic combination of these three is a first for me, and I look forward to this exciting journey with them called Panipat,” he said about his female lead.