Shahid Kapoor’s Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues Faces Major Hurdles, Project Put on Hold
Shahid Kapoor’s highly-anticipated mythological action film, *Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues*, has reportedly hit a roadblock. Backed by Jackky and Vashu Bhagnani, the film is said to have been temporarily shelved due to significant budget and logistical challenges.
Initially announced in March 2024 as an ambitious Rs 500 crore project, the film aimed to rival international fantasy-action productions. However, according to a report by *Mid Day*, escalating pre-production costs and logistical difficulties, particularly in coordinating international shoots, have pushed the budget beyond manageable limits. An insider revealed that staying within the planned budget while delivering on the envisioned scale of the film had become nearly impossible.
Additionally, Pooja Entertainment, helmed by the Bhagnanis, is reportedly grappling with financial troubles. The production house is said to owe Rs 250 crore in debt after the underwhelming box-office performances of their recent releases, including *Bade Miyan Chote Miyan*, *Ganapath*, and *Mission Raniganj*. Allegations of non-payment to artists, filmmakers, and workers have further complicated matters, with controversies surrounding director Ali Abbas Zafar adding to the production house’s woes.
Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues* was envisioned as a visually stunning film inspired by Indian mythology, with Shahid Kapoor in the titular role. The film was set to release theatrically before premiering on Amazon Prime Video. However, the ongoing financial and logistical hurdles have forced the production team to pause the project indefinitely.
Meanwhile, Shahid Kapoor continues to keep busy with other ventures. His next film, *Deva*, directed by Rosshan Andrrews and co-starring Pooja Hegde, is slated for release on Valentine’s Day 2025. Fans of the actor eagerly await updates on Ashwatthama, hoping for a resolution to the current challenges so the ambitious project can move forward.
