Jitendra Kumar, Pooja Bhatt to Star in Film Exploring India’s Pigeon-Flying Culture (EXCLUSIVE)

Jitendra Kumar is set to headline a new film alongside Pooja Bhatt that delves into India’s traditional pigeon-flying practice.

The project marks a reunion for Kumar and co-producer Hitesh Kewalya, who previously collaborated on “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.” Kumar, known for his work in streaming series “Panchayat” (Prime Video) and “Kota Factory” (Netflix) as well as films including “Jaadugar” (Netflix) and the recent “Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas” (ZEE5) will portray a devoted pigeon-keeper in the socially rooted narrative.

Indian National Film Award winner Bhatt will play Kumar’s on-screen mother in what represents a return to dramatic territory the actor has previously explored in films including the award-winning “Zakhm,” along with “Tamanna” and “Daddy.”

The as-yet-untitled feature is produced by Khyati Madaan through her Not Out Entertainment banner, with Kewalya serving as co-producer. Kewalya previously wrote “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan” and wrote and directed “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.”

First-time feature director Bilal Hasan helms the project from his own script. Hasan previously earned a Filmfare award nomination for his award-winning short “Chupchaap.”

The story unfolds against the backdrop of a traditional practice involving training homing pigeons and flying them from rooftops. The custom continues in some Indian neighborhoods and among pigeon-racing communities globally. Principal photography is scheduled to begin next year.

Not Out Entertainment is developing a slate of culturally specific projects. The banner is currently producing “Abhootpurva,” described as a romantic-horror-comedy set in 1990s Agra starring Ritwik Bhowmik alongside an ensemble cast. The company also has a horror film in development featuring Ahan Shetty, based on a real national tragedy.