Bollywood’s mega superstar Salman Khan has been navigating some turbulent waters lately when it comes to his career. His much-hyped recent release Sikandar failed to make a mark at the box office despite extensive promotions and high expectations from fans. This box office disappointment has left both the actor and his fans disheartened, as they had been eagerly awaiting his cinematic comeback.
Just as audiences were trying to digest the underwhelming response to Sikandar, another blow hit the Salman fandom. A potential collaboration between Salman Khan and South Indian director Atlee—famous for blockbuster hits like Jawan—was reportedly in the works. However, that project too was unexpectedly shelved before it could take off.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking news for fans came with the confirmation that a long-discussed biopic on Ravindra Kaushik, India’s most celebrated undercover spy, will no longer be happening.
The Story Behind the Shelved Biopic: Ravindra Kaushik – The Black Tiger
Back in 2021, fans were thrilled when it was announced that Salman Khan would be portraying Ravindra Kaushik, also known as the “Black Tiger,” in a gripping biographical film. The project was to be helmed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the filmmaker known for critically acclaimed movies like Raid and No One Killed Jessica.
Ravindra Kaushik was a legendary figure in Indian intelligence. He was recruited by RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) and lived in Pakistan under a false identity, gathering critical information for the Indian government for years. His courage and sacrifice remain largely unsung in the public domain, making him an ideal figure for a biopic.
Director Raj Kumar Gupta spent over five years researching and writing the script, hoping to bring this incredible story to the silver screen. Salman Khan had reportedly agreed to take on the role, generating even more excitement around the project.
Why the Biopic Was Dropped
In a recent interview, Raj Kumar Gupta revealed that the film has been officially shelved. “I had the rights to make the film, but they expired. We didn’t renew them, so we had to stop the project,” he shared.
The director also expressed his disappointment, noting the amount of time and effort he had poured into the development of the film. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at the challenges filmmakers face, especially when dealing with sensitive, real-life stories that require extensive permissions and research.
What’s Next for Salman Khan?
Despite the setback, Salman Khan isn’t stepping away from the spotlight. According to reports, he may soon be seen sharing screen space with Sanjay Dutt in an upcoming action drama titled Ganga Ram. Though details remain under wraps, fans are hoping this film will offer the comeback moment they’ve been waiting for.
Meanwhile, Raj Kumar Gupta is keeping busy too. He is currently working on Raid 2, the sequel to his hit Ajay Devgn-starrer. The film is slated for release in May 2025, and fans of hard-hitting dramas are already looking forward to it.
Final Thoughts
It’s undoubtedly a tough phase for Salman Khan, marked by cancelled projects and box office struggles. But his fan base remains strong, and hope is still alive that the actor will return with a film that captures the magic he’s known for.
The shelving of the Ravindra Kaushik biopic is a missed opportunity to showcase a real-life hero’s sacrifice on the big screen. Still, with the entertainment industry’s ever-shifting nature, you never know when a good story might find its way back into the spotlight.