2015: Bollywood gears up for major releases

New Delhi, Dec 31: From Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's ambitious film 'Shamitabh', Ranbir Kapoor's first ever period drama 'Bombay Velvet' to Salman Khan's Eid outing 'Bajrangi Bhaijan' and Shah Rukh Khan's 'Fan', the upcoming year will see some major releases at the box-office.

If everything goes as per the plan, Bachchan will have three releases in 2015, starting from 'Shamitabh' in which the megastar has reteamed with 'Paa' director R Balki. The film, to be released on February 6, also stars 'Raanjhanaa' actor Dhanush and will see Kamal Haasan's younger daughter Akshara, making her acting debut.

Veteran actress Rekha is slated to make a guest appearance in the film, however, it is not clear whether she will share the screen space with Bachchan after 'Silsila' in 1981. Bachchan's 'Piku' is another big release of the coming year. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the film brings Bachchan and actress Deepika Padukone together as father-daughter for the second time on screen after 'Aakarshan'.

The movie, extensively shot in Kolkata, has Irrfan as the third lead. Big B is slated to have his third release in 'Wazir' sometime next year. The Bejoy Nambiar-directed film stars him and Farhan Akhtar. Salman will look to recreate success of 'Bodyguard' with Kareena Kapoor Khan in 'Bajrangi Bhaijan', which is said to be a love story between a Brahmin woman and a Muslim man.

Also starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the movie is directed and co-produced by Kabir Khan. It releases on July 16. The superstar's return to Rajshri Productions after 16 years makes 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' a film to watch out for in November this year. The fresh pairing of Salman and Sonam Kapoor, who is 20 years younger to him, is an interesting feature about it.

Anurag Kashyap's most ambitious project 'Bombay Velvet' is one of the biggest movies of 2015, not only for its budget but also for Ranbir's return in a lead role after his forgettable 'Besharam' in 2013. The actor was seen in cameo roles lately in 'Bhoothnath Returns' and 'PK'. He has an extended role in 'Roy'.

'Bombay Velvet' is based on historian Gyan Prakash's book 'Mumbai Fables'. Set in Bombay of the 1960s, the film tells the story of a boxer, Johnny Balraj, and an aspiring jazz singer, Rosie, and how their hopes and dreams collide with their individual realities. It also stars Anushka Sharma, Raveena Tandon, Kay Kay Menon and Siddharth Basu.

The film marks full fledged acting debut of filmmaker Karan Johar in the role of an antagonist. It is scheduled for release in May, next year.

Another much-anticipated period movie is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic-drama 'Bajirao Mastani', where he repeats the pair of Deepika and Ranveer Singh after their blockbuster 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' in 2013.

The film narrates the story of the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I (Ranveer) and his second wife Mastani (Deepika). Actress Priyanka Chopra stars as Kashibai, the first wife of Baji Rao. Ranveer has reportedly gone bald for the movie, which will release next Christmas. The soundtrack for the film will be composed by Bhansali.

This will be his third music project after 'Guzaarish' and 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela'. Giving tough competition to 'Bajirao Mastani' will be Deepika-Ranbir Kapoor starrer, 'Tamasha', which is directed by Imtiaz Ali and releasing around the same time. Shah Rukh is again teaming up with Yash Raj Films in 'Fan' and the superstar is planning to recreate the same magic, which he did during 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' in 2012.

Directed by Maneesh Sharma of 'Band Baja Baarat' fame, 'Fan' explores a fan's love for his favourite actor. The big- budget film's leading lady is yet to be decided. It will release on August 14.

SRK is also working on 'Raees' where his leading lady would be Pakistani actress Mahira Khan. 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!' stars Sushant Singh Rajput and is directed by Dibakar Banerjee. It is produced by Yash Raj Films and Dibakar Banerjee Productions. 2015 will also see the release of big-budget comedies like 'Singh is Kinng' sequel titled 'Singh Is Bling', starring Akshay Kumar and 'Heropanti' actress Kriti Sanon. The film is directed by Prabhu Deva.

Comedy-drama 'Jagga Jasoos' is awaited where Ranbir stars opposite Katrina Kaif. It would be their first film together in six years as they last worked together in 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'. 'Jagga Jasoos' also stars Govinda. Sequel to superhit 2007 comedy 'Welcome' will be hitting the screens in 2015.

'Welcome Back' features an ensemble cast that includes Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor reprising their roles respectively from the prequel, along with Paresh Rawal. John Abraham and Shruti Haasan are new additions to the cast. PTI

PTI