Hrithik-Kareena exits Shuddhi (older post updated)

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Shuddhi, directed by Karan Malhotra, was one of the most ambitious projects of Dharma Productions and was one of the most awaited films since it starred Hrithik and Kareena together after almost a decade. However, owing to Hrithik’s health issues, the film shooting schedule was postponed.

While recently Kareena hinted on opting out of the film, it is now Hrithik Roshan who has decided to quit the film. Talking about his exit, the actor released a statement recently saying, “Karan Malhotra and I have decided to unite in the most ambitious way post Shuddhi. For now I cannot allow a vision like Shuddhi to stagnate any further. I had the finest experience as an actor while working with Karan Malhotra in Agneepath and I’m sure both my dear Karans are going to go beyond with this one! Shuddhi remains a part of me in spirit & am sure it will be a landmark in our cinema. I wish them all the best!”

Currently, though rumours of Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor replacing the actor are doing the rounds along with Deepika Padukone being roped in as the new actress, nothing has been finalized.
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While on and off rumours about Kareena making a comeback with Hrithik were doing the rounds, looks like Karan Johar now is ready to put a full stop to all of it. Karan recently confirmed that Hrithik and Kareena are very much a part of the next Dharma Production venture, Shuddhi.

The film is said to be an intense love story with a reincarnation theme weaved in a dramatic form, while Karan Malhotra of Agneepath (2012) fame will helm the project. KJo believes that they are the right choice for the roles because he required actors who can bring the desired intensity among them.

Also, the most interesting part is that Hrithik and Kareena will be seen sharing the screen space after more than a decade. Though the shoot of the film is yet to begin, it is slated for release in October next year.
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There has been a lot of speculation over Hrithik Roshan’s next – Kabir Khan’s yet-to-be- titled film or Shekhar Kapur’s ‘Paani’ or Karan Malhotra’s next. It’s official now: Karan Malhotra has won the race. The film will be titled ‘Shuddhi’ (which means purification).

Hrithik signed the film on Sunday. To be produced by Karan Johar, Shuddhi will have three main characters. The heroine and the villain are yet to be decided. Malhotra’s previous film, the remake of Agneepath, also starred Hrithik.

A source close to Karan said: “Karan and Hrithik had a long meeting last week. Hrithik went through the script at length and then signed on the dotted line. Contrary to rumours, the film is not based on Amish Tripathi’s novel The Immortals Of Meluha.”

When contacted, Malhotra told TOI: “Yes, my next film, Shuddhi, will star Hrithik. It’s a very complex role. Apart from the hero, the film has a strong villainous character.”

Malhotra will put the film on floors in November this year. “We will be shooting most portions in Mumbai and Uttarakhand. We are aiming for a Diwali 2014 release,” he added.