Sridevi's Next Film Officially in the Pipeline

March 2, 2016, Breaking News: Sridevi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshay Khanna to star in untitled film directed by ad-filmmaker turned director Ravi Udyawar. Online rumours suggest the film might be called 'Mom' but reports have yet to be confirmed. Conjectural bytes on film blogs vacillate on the theme of the film too. Either its a thriller with Sridevi in the lead or its a family drama with the actress in a pivotal role along with Akshara Haasan, who'll have the opportunity to star as Sri's incendiary step-daughter. Which is it? When does the film go on the floors? When does it release? Nothing has been confirmed by any reliable party.

However, the only tidbit that has fans excited is the confirmation by actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, stating that he has contractually agreed to essay a role opposite the legendary Indian actress Sridevi. According to Mumbai Mirror, Siddiqui said, "I signed the film around ten days ago and was blown away by the thriller's script. Most of my scenes are with Srideviji. In my opinion she is the best actress in the country. I have seen so many of her films, and Sadma and Chandni are my all-time favourites. I haven't met her yet but soon will," said the 41-year-old thespian.

Fans of Indian actress, nay legend, Sridevi are rejoicing as she had earlier hinted that she might take a lengthy break yet again as she wasn't entirely happy with the result and aftermath of working in her last release, the Tamil film Puli. The movie did less than expected business, garnered quite a few negative reviews (unlike the predominantly acclaimed English Vinglish)  and a media firestorm erupted regarding the actress' remuneration as lawsuits and counter-suits were allegedly filed. All of which were settled (somewhat) amicably by the end.

Furthermore, there are few films being written or made that are worthy of Sridevi's superlative acting and superstar credentials. With candy-floss romances and musicals being made with young model-turned-non-actors, action packed movies with minor roles for leading ladies, slapstick comedies that test one's patience and limits of vulgarity, the current crop of Hindi films, with few exceptions, cannot justify the presence of someone of Sri's caliber.

With no reliable news regarding any other film starring Sridevi in the offing (apart from the much talked about Mr India 2 - and its 29 year failure to launch!) , the latest news reported by nearly a dozen online media outlets have cine-philes excited as the casting coup is one to note.

Siddiqui and Khanna, both younger yet highly acclaimed actors, have one thing in common; stellar accreditation. They are both greatly respected actors who have a rich filmography behind them with fine performances in many films in their respective careers. The trio could certainly set the screens ablaze.

The novice and novel director Ravi Udyawar follows the footprints of Gauri Shinde, the ad-filmmaker turned director, who made the finest debut film in recent Hindi-film history. For writing and directing English Vinglish, Shinde collected every...single... directing-debut award. Those are some deep, deep footsteps to follow for any director, who has to catch the baton hoisted by Shinde  

With a stellar star-cast and team behind him, all eyes will be on the director's venture.Will he live up to the colossal expectation and breathless anticipation of a billion-plus Bollywood-viewing audience?

Here's one to wait and watch.

Await further news on the return of Sridevi on screen. Once again.
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See an archive of Ravi Udyawar's ad films online here on his YoutTube channel. 

Sridevi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui