Actors Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Kapoor and Kriti Sanon have been roped in for director Ashutosh Gowariker’s next period drama, Panipat. Kriti Sanon shared a teaser poster of the movie and wrote: “Proud to be a part of the recounting of bravery, passion and patriotism in the Third Battle of #Panipat.
Proud to be a part of the recounting of bravery, passion and patriotism in the Third Battle of #Panipat.
Here’s the first Teaser Poster. @agpplofficial #sunitagowariker @AshGowariker @visionworldfilm #rohitshelatkar@arjunk26 @duttsanjay #PanipatTeaserPoster pic.twitter.com/bWeUcFk7Dc— Kriti Sanon (@kritisanon) March 14, 2018
Panipat would release on December 6, 2019 and is a movie of many firsts. This would be the first time when Ashutosh Gowariker would be working with Sanjay Dutt, also Arjun Kapoor would be seen onscreen with Sanjay Dutt for the first time.
Speaking about his choice of actors, Gowariker told the Mid-Day:
“I shared screen space with Sanjay Dutt in Naam (1986), which was a memorable co-acting experience. It will be great to direct such a versatile and talented actor. What impresses me most about Arjun, apart from his fine performances, is his dynamism. He has played double roles twice [Aurangzeb, 2013 and Mubarakan, 2017], and has portrayed an action hero as well as a lover boy. I needed someone who is beautiful and a good performer. The eclectic combination of these three is a first for me, and I look forward to this exciting journey with them.”
Battle of Panipat
Although there were three battles of Panipat, Ashutosh Gowariker’s venture is based on the Third Battle of Panipat, which took place in 1761. The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between the Maratha forces under Sadashivrao Bhau and the invading Afghani forces of Ahmed Shah Durrani.
With the First Battle of Panipat, the rule of Mughal Empire was established in 1526, when Babur defeated the Lodi dynasty ruler, Sikandar Lodi. The Second Battle took place between the Mughal forces under Bairam Khan and Hemu, the general and chief minister of Adil Shah Suri (Sur Empire).
Also read: No, We Aren’t Kidding. Sanjay Dutt’s Fan Wills Her Wealth In His Name
Known for creating brilliant period dramas like Lagaan (2001) and Jodha Akbar (2008), Ashutosh’s last Mohenjo Daro (2016) couldn’t impress the audience. Sanjay Dutt, who was last seen in his comeback movie, Bhoomi, will be seen in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3 this year, while Arjun Kapoor will feature in Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar and Namastey Canada opposite Parineeti Chopra.
