Two of Bollywood’s most awaited classic-era biopics are now in a holding pattern. Filmfare reports that the Madhubala and Meena Kumari projects are both on hold, and neither project has reached the production stage.
Biopics have become one of Hindi cinema’s most reliable event formats. That makes the stall notable, especially because both actresses remain among the most beloved faces of classic Bollywood.
The Meena Kumari film has already changed hands once
The Meena Kumari biopic was first planned as fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s directorial debut, with Kriti Sanon reported in the lead. That configuration was eventually shelved after Malhotra stepped away.
Newer reports have pointed toward Kiara Advani as the possible title role, but the producers have not made any official announcement. Her involvement remains unconfirmed, and the film continues to wait.
Madhubala’s film stalled despite Bhansali’s backing
The Madhubala biopic was set to star Sara Arjun, with Jasmeet K. Reen directing and Sanjay Leela Bhansali backing the project. It had earlier faced budget-related trouble before picking up pace once Bhansali came aboard. Even so, that momentum has not produced a filming date, and the project’s next step is still unclear.
Where the two projects stand
- Madhubala biopic: Sara Arjun attached; Jasmeet K. Reen directing; Sanjay Leela Bhansali backing; delayed with no restart date.
- Meena Kumari biopic: Manish Malhotra and Kriti Sanon’s version shelved; Kiara Advani reports unconfirmed; project on hold.
Why the freeze matters
Madhubala and Meena Kumari define a particular era of Hindi cinema, and a good biopic can become a new generation’s entry point to their films. That is why casting and director choices draw so much attention: audiences are being asked to accept a contemporary star as an icon they grew up loving.
The wait also shows how slow period biopics can be. Period recreation, music clearances and the delicate job of casting real-life legends all sit on top of normal budget and schedule pressure. The last concrete change on the Meena Kumari side was a shift in package, while on the Madhubala side the last positive step was Bhansali joining.
What to watch for next
For fans, the practical takeaway is to treat any casting or start-date buzz as speculation until a studio confirms it. The current versions are not described as cancelled, but they are inactive, and an official update from the makers is still awaited.
Source: Filmfare