Ranveer Singh to play comic-book superhero Nagraj in new film?
What's the story
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is in talks to play the role of iconic Indian superhero Nagraj in a movie adaptation of the classic comic series by Raj Comics. The film is expected to be produced by Karan Johar.
"We are in talks with Ranveer Singh and Karan Johar for a live-action silver-screen adaptation of Nagraj," President of Raj Comics, Manoj Gupta told PTI.
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The movie is expected to be released in 2022
Gupta further said, "While nothing is inked so far, things are looking positive."
He added that the project is currently in the initial stages of development and that they are targeting for its release in 2022.
Interestingly, while Bollywood has previously showcased various superhero films like Krrish and Ra.One, the said project will reportedly be the first live-action adaptation of an Indian comic-book superhero.
Nagraj
Nagraj was created in late 1980s by Sanjay Gupta
For the uninitiated, Nagraj (translated: Snake King) is a fictional superhero that was created in the late 1980s by Sanjay Gupta and published by Raj Comics.
Offering a rich mix of mythology, fantasy, magic, and science-fiction, the stories of Nagraj have garnered a massive, cult following over the decades.
He is said to be inspired from superheroes from the west, Spider-Man and Superman.
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Based in Delhi, Raj Comics was founded in 1984
Talking about the planned film, Gupta added, "When we created Nagraj, we never imagined that it would attract such a wide fan following across India and we all are happy that finally, a Nagraj movie is taking shape."
Notably, one of India's leading comic-book distributors, Raj Comics was founded in 1984 by writer/director Raj Kumar Gupta. It has produced about 35,000 comics to date.
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Raj Comics looking to bring their characters to various mediums
Previously in September, Gupta had told PTI that their team is working towards adapting many of their comic-book characters for various mediums.
"We are in talks to create a Banke Lal animated show for kids with a leading animation studio and a high-end 3D Nagraj animated film. We are also discussing live-action web-series with various producers," he had revealed.
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Separately, Ranveer will soon star in '83', 'Jayeshbhai Jordaar'
Apart from the aforementioned project, Ranveer is all set to appear in Kabir Khan's sports drama movie '83, also starring his wife Deepika Padukone. It will release on April 10, 2020. Thereafter, he will feature in YRF's comedy film Jayeshbhai Jordaar (2020).