Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is reportedly set to begin shooting his much-awaited biopic on legendary actress Madhubala in September, shortly after completing his ongoing film Love & War. Actor Sara Arjun is expected to play Madhubala in the yet-to-be-titled project, which will be directed by Jasmeet K Reen.
According to reports cited by and Mid-Day, the production is expected to begin at Royal Palms in Goregaon, Mumbai, the same location where Bhansali is currently completing the final portions of Love & War .
Shooting Expected to Begin in September
Bhansali is currently completing Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. The filmmaker is reportedly scheduled to wrap the film’s remaining work by the end of August.
The production design team is then expected to transform the Royal Palms location for the Madhubala project, allowing the new film to begin production soon afterwards. The reported schedule marks a quick transition for Bhansali, who is moving directly from one large-scale production to another.
Sara Arjun Reportedly Cast as Madhubala
Sara Arjun is expected to headline the biopic as Madhubala. The young actor has reportedly begun preparing for the role, with the film’s makers focusing on capturing the legendary actress’s personality, mannerisms and the period in which she lived and worked.
The project will be directed by Jasmeet K Reen, who previously directed Darlings. Bhansali is also backing the film. Further details about the cast, storyline and release plans have not yet been officially disclosed. The current information about the September schedule is based on media reports.
Film to Explore Madhubala’s Life and Legacy
Madhubala remains one of the most recognised stars in the history of Hindi cinema, known for films including Mughal-e-Azam, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Mr. & Mrs. 55. The proposed biopic is expected to explore her life and career, although the filmmakers have yet to reveal how the story will be structured or which phases of her life will receive the greatest focus.
Bhansali Nears Completion of Love & War
Before beginning the Madhubala project, Bhansali is expected to complete Love & War. The period romantic drama reunites him with Ranbir Kapoor after their earlier collaboration on Saawariya. The film also stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal and is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on January 21, 2027.
If the reported schedule holds, Bhansali will begin work on the Madhubala biopic immediately after wrapping his current production, marking his next major project following Love & War.