Randeep Hooda starrer 'Battle of Saragarhi' hits a roadblock

Randeep Hooda

Randeep Hooda

Randeep Hooda has been growing his hair and maintaining a long beard since July to prep for Rajkumar Santoshi's 'Battle of Saragarhi'. Four months down the line, the film seems to have hit a roadblock.

Says a source, "The film was announced without completing groundwork. Santoshi's projects have often been held up. He was supposed to direct a Salman Khan film to be produced by the star's brother-in-law, Atul Agnihotri, but that too didn't work out."

It is said Salman was allegedly furious that Santoshi sat on the script for over a year, and the star walked out. "He then suddenly decided to make Battle of Saragarhi, taking everyone by surprise," adds the source.

The film raised curiosity post the announcement and Randeep had taken to social media on August 1 to say, "Randeep Goes To War as Havaldar Ishar Singh, Battle Of Saragarhi 1897." Known for going the extra length, he has been learning sword fighting and shooting with vintage guns apart from undergoing physical training.

In fact, in September, the makers had Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Manohar Parrikar and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore attend an event around the film. A spokesperson for the production reasons, "The film hasn't started due to the logistics involved."

Sources close to Randeep claim permissions required before going ahead with the portrayal of the Sikh regiment are yet to come through. Meanwhile, the actor continues to be in character, hoping things will move soon. Shaving will be a giveaway that he has moved on