Director clueless as Vidya Balan demands more time, Aami shoot on hold

Director Kamal who kicked up a controversy by announcing a biopic on noted writer Kamala Surayya told Asianet News that the project had to be put on hold due to the attitude of Vidya Balan. He said the actress sought more time to act in in Malayalam debut 'Aami', but for unknown reasons. 
 

Read more: Director-writer feud rattles Vidya Balan Malayalam debut film
 

Kamal, who is directing the flick, said he had handed over the script to Balan eight months ago and the actress was more than happy to be part of the biopic of one of the most celebrated Indian poetess and littérateur. She was so excited to take part in the photoshoot and started learning Malayalam. The Kahaani actress also took voice lessons to sound like Kamala Surayya and was reportedly going through her works. 
 

Also read: Vidya Balan prepares for Kamala Surayya biopic
 

Though shooting of the film was scheduled to begin on December 19, actress demanded more time. The only explanation given was that she wanted more time to study the character which would turn out to be a quite challenging one in her career. "Every time I called, she gave the same answer," Kamal said Asianet News. 
 

There are reports that the actor backed from the project after Kamal, the Chairman and Festival Director of the International Film Festival Kerala (IFFK) said he won't allow police to enter to check if people are standing up during National Anthem. "No one need to project themselves as proponents of nationalism. We also believe in nationalism and belong to this country," he had told media. His comment invited the wrath of BJP, and they staged a protest outside his house at Kodungallur in Thrissur. 
 

Vidya Balan is the brand ambassador of several government project. When contacted manager of the actor also did not give a clear answer. 
 

However, an online portal reported that the movie was delayed due to ongoing strike and the work will start soon. 
 

The actress had given 60 days for the making of 'Aami.' Murali Gopi plays the role of Das, husband of Surrayya. Prithviraj also plays a pivotal character in the film. The movie will be filmed in two different schedules main locations being Kerala, Mumbai and Delhi. 

• Vidya Balan
• Kamal
• director Kamal
• Aami
• Kamala Surayya
• Mollywood
• film shooting