In May this year, Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor hit the headlines after several media reports suggested that she has exited Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve’s film produced by Ektaa Kapoor. Back then,
the director slammed the reports urging fans not to believe in the rumours. Now, a report in Mid Day states that the actress is still very much a part of the film, which is titled ‘Pahadpangira’. The report further states that not only is the actress likely to headline the project, she may also come on board as a creative producer. However, there has been no official confirmation yet.
Pahadpangira, directed by Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve, reportedly explores themes of feminism against the backdrop of the Sati practice. Shraddha Kapoor will not only star in the film, but will also reportedly be involved in a creative capacity. A source told Mid Day, “Shraddha, who will begin shooting Laxman Utekar’s next in November, will finalise her commitment to this project after her schedule for 2026 is drawn up. If things go as planned, the film could start by mid-2026. Pahadpangira is a dark fantasy rooted in myth and folklore. She is taken by the story’s originality and believes it can be expanded into a franchise. Besides fronting it, she may serve as a creative producer on it.”
The report further states that filmmaker Rahi Anil Barve had initially envisioned Pahadpangira as part of the Tumbbad universe. The 2018 film was co-directed by him, and produced by Sohum Shah. However, after the two parted ways, Barve reimagined the project as an independent, standalone film.
In May, PeepingMoon reported that Shraddha Kapoor and producer Ektaa Kapoor couldn’t agree on the financial terms. While Shraddha reportedly demanded Rs 17 crore, plus a slice of the profits, Ekta felt that it was too steep, and feared it might blow up the entire budget. However, soon after, director Rahi Anil Barve clarified: “Please don’t believe any of the rumours currently floating all over the media. We’ll be making an official announcement at the right time. Thank you.”
In other news, Shraddha Kapoor was last seen in the horror comedy Stree 2, with Rajkummar Rao. Amar Kaushik directed the film, which became one of the most talked-about and highest-grossing releases in 2024. The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana, with appearances by Varun Dhawan and Akshay Kumar. Fans of the franchise were treated to an exciting announcement recently when Maddock Films announced the third installment.
