The actor, who has never looked better, will start a new project in September. And no, it's not Vishal Bhardwaj'sRangoon, a Casablanca-like love triangle set against the backdrop of the Second World War, featuring Shahid, Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut.
"He starts shooting forRangoonlater in the year. In September, he will begin a film with Vikramaditya Motwane, an urban thriller which will be shot in Mumbai. Shahid has a reputation of being choosy but this role hooked him instantly. They are currently on the lookout for a heroine opposite him," says a source close to the development. Prod him on whether the film will require a particular physique or look, given that Shahid has been spending a lot of time in the gym, and the source adds, "No, this film doesn't need any kind of special prep. That's why it will roll so soon."
Earlier, Mirror (February 4) had reported that Motwane has put his Sidharth Malhotra-starrer,Bhavesh Joshi, on hold because the story, which was written when the last government was in power and corruption was rampant, was no longer topical. "There was a lot that was wrong with the city... the country... and this was affecting everyone," the filmmaker had explained, pointing out that a lot had changed in the last one year with a new government, both at the centre and in the state.
And that was the reason he had decided to give his most ambitious film about a boy's personal crusade against the system, some time to brew. "If things still don't improve, I can always go back to my earlier script which reflected our anger and angst. But right now, the timing isn't right," he asserted, adding that with five films to release as a producer, there was plenty of work for him. "I'll also direct another film this year." This is that film, and it is as yet untitled.