Ajay Devgn has consent for film on Raniganj coal miners rescue hero, but what about Akshay?

In May, Cinestaan had reported how Akshay Kumar had bought the rights for a film based on the 1989 Raniganj Coalfield rescue operation. Early this week came the surprising news that fellow actor Ajay Devgn was working on the same subject that will be directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, who had helmed Akshay-starrer Rustom (2016).

JS Gill, additional chief mining engineer, was the hero of the operation that helped save the life of 64 miners. The now retired engineer has told a tabloid that he’s given his consent to Devgn for the film.

“Several people have approached me, but it would only be limited to talks. I was recently approached on behalf of Ajay Devgn's team for the rights, which I have consented to,” Gill told tabloid Mid-Day, but also underlined that he hasn’t met Devgn or his representatives.

Gill was non-committal when he was asked about whether anyone from Akshay's team had approached him.  

“I am not a film person. I would not know who wants to do what. Akshay is also a good actor,” added Gill.

With Gill having given his consent to Devgn, where does that leave Akshay? The actor’s publicist had earlier claimed ignorance about Akshay working on any such film.

Early this year, Devgn was reportedly upset with good friend Salman Khan for co-producing a film with his nemesis Karan Johar that is based on the the battle of Saragarhi, the subject for Sons of Sardaar: The Battle of Saragarhi. As per a report in The Times Of India, a hurt Devgn had supposedly sent a text to Salman about his disappointment.

There has been no official word from Akshay or his team on buying rights for a film on the Raniganj coalfield rescue operation. It looks like Devgn got to business before Akshay could.

Devgn is currently working on Golmaal Again and Baadshaho.