Come May, Sunny Deol was to have a date with the audience. Reports suggested that Gabru, a family drama also starring Simran Bagga and directed by Shashank Udapurkar, would arrive in cinemas on May 8. But with the release calendar being rejigged, thanks to the blockbuster Dhurandhar: The Revenge, we have learnt that the Deol-starrer has also been pushed. So, when do we see the actor on screen again? Most likely, in June-end or early July. 

‘Gabru’, which tells the story of a middle-aged man learning that true happiness lies in serving humanity, was earlier titled ‘Safar’  

Deol is currently shooting the tentatively-titled Antony in Goa. As soon as he returns to Mumbai next month, he will turn his attention to Gabru’s release plans. A trade source told mid-day, “Earlier, the makers were eyeing May 8 as a release window. While rumours indicate that the film was postponed to accommodate the reshoot of certain action sequences, it’s not true. It purely stemmed from the fact that many releases, including Bhooth Bangla and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, were getting reshuffled due to Dhurandhar: The Revenge. In such a scenario, Gabru’s team felt that the movie wouldn’t have breathing space at the box office. So, they deferred its release. Next month, Sunny and the makers will zero in on a date.”

With the first cut of the drama ready, the makers are certain of not waiting too long before being theatre-bound. The source added, “The actor wants the film to release soon because he loves his role. It should be out by June-end or the first week of July.”

Four
Number of Sunny Deol films lined up for release this year 

Salman Khan. Pic/Yogen Shah

Last November, news emerged that Salman Khan would feature in an extended cameo in ‘Gabru’. A source told mid-day that the superstar agreed to the role at Sunny Deol’s behest.  “Sunny spoke to Salman, and he came on board. He shot for his three scenes, and songs earlier this year.”