Janhvi Kapoor's Shelved Projects Eclipsing Upcoming Releases: A Detailed Analysis
Janhvi Kapoor's highly anticipated sports drama, Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, graced theaters on May 31st, showcasing her exceptional dedication and on-screen chemistry with Rajkummar Rao. However, this release stands as her solitary cinematic offering this year, a stark contrast to the plethora of shelved projects within her filmography.
Karna: A Grandiose Project Aborted
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's eagerly awaited pan-Indian epic, Karna, faced an abrupt halt this week, leaving audiences bereft. The ambitious project, boasting a star-studded cast featuring Tamil superstar Suriya as the titular hero and Janhvi as Draupadi, reportedly faced production delays and incurred a significant pre-production expenditure of ₹15 crore. The project's uncertain fate now casts a shadow over its once-promising prospects.
Takht: A Starry Ensemble Hampered by Timing
In 2018, Karan Johar unveiled Takht, a cinematic masterpiece that promised to unite an A-list ensemble including Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi, Anil Kapoor, and Bhumi Pednekar. However, the film's production was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing a postponement. Despite Johar's assurances of resuming work after Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), three years have passed without any substantial updates, leading to widespread speculation about its discontinuation.
Rambo: A Remake Unraveled
The Hindi adaptation of the iconic action franchise, Rambo, had initially generated much excitement with Tiger Shroff and Janhvi Kapoor attached to star. However, recent murmurs suggest that this project has also fallen prey to shelving. Industry insiders speculate that Tiger Shroff's string of box office disappointments, including Heropanti 2 (2022), Ganapath (2023), and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan Dostana 2, may have played a role in its demise.
Dostana 2: A Project Plagued by Controversies
Karan Johar's 2019 announcement of Dostana 2, starring Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and newcomer Lakshya, initially sparked immense anticipation. Filming commenced prior to the pandemic but was abruptly halted due to the ensuing lockdown. Subsequently, Kartik Aaryan's departure amidst alleged creative differences and his reported fallout with Johar dealt a significant blow to the project, leading to its indefinite shelving.
Spider: A Thriller Shrouded in Mystery
Last year, Janhvi Kapoor was slated to collaborate with Sidharth Malhotra in Spider, a thriller backed by Dinesh Vijan. However, a month ago, whispers emerged that this project too had been shelved for undisclosed reasons. While there remains a glimmer of hope that Spider may yet materialize, official confirmation of its status has been elusive.
A Gleam of Hope Amidst the Shadows
Despite these setbacks, Janhvi Kapoor has three projects poised for release: Karan Johar's Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari alongside Varun Dhawan, the spy thriller Ulajh, and her Telugu debut Devara: Part 1 with N. T. Rama Rao Jr. These upcoming releases serve as a beacon of hope, indicating that Janhvi's cinematic journey is far from over.
