Sripriya, who had recently directed Malini 22 Palayamkottai (MTP), has set her sights on Bollywood and will direct a Hindi version of the same film soon.
CE has learnt that none other than the Isshaqzaade and Shudh Desi Romance girl, Parineeti Chopra, has been approached for the lead role. It may be recalled that MTP is the remake of the hit Malyalam film 22 Female Kottayam and is being produced in the Tamil and Telugu by Sripriya’s husband Rajkumar Sethupathy. Speaking to CE, Rajkumar discloses, “We had already bought the remake rights for Tamil, Telugu and Hindi of the Malyalam film, from producer OG Sunil, director Ashiq Abu and storywriter Abhilash Kumar. We undertook this process way back in May, before starting our film. Now, that the first two versions are ready, we have started work on the Hindi version. We have approached Parineeti Chopra for the lead role. She asked for the synopsis and other details which we have sent her. We are awaiting her reply.”
Apparently, when approached, Parineeti showed interest in the story and has said that if things fall into place, she would allot dates from April next year. Says Rajkumar, “We saw her Hindi movies and thought that her spunky, bubbly and vivacious image, she is the apt choice for the role.” MTP deals with the story of a victim of sexual assault, who fights back in a bold manner.
Rajkumar further discloses that a leading Bollywood production house with a giant presence in the TV industry, has shown interest in buying the Hindi version on a first copy basis or may even jointly produce the film. Says he, “Once Parineeti gives us the green signal, we will sign up the rest of the cast and crew. The film will be shot in Hyderabad and Mumbai.” Will there be changes in the Hindi version to suit local flavour? “Yes, there will be changes, for both the Hindi audiences and Bollywood’s international markets,” he says.
In the meanwhile, MTP is slated to have its audio launch in Chennai on November 8, followed by its Telugu audio launch in Hyderabad soon after. The film is slated for a December release.