Karan Johar's period drama with Madhuri, Varun, Alia, renamed as Kalank 

After months of speculation and wait, Karan Johar's massive period drama, to be directed by Abhishek Varman, has a title and a release date. The film, initially called Shiddat, has now been renamed Kalank. Set in the 1940s, the film will star a massive ensemble cast including Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Varun Dhawan, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt, and Aditya Roy Kapur. 

The film's first poster, that also announed its release date, was revealed by Johar's Dharma Productions on Twitter early on Wednesday (18 April). 

The poster's sepia tinted image of an old ruin seems to be hinting at the Partition of India, which took place in 1946, and was one of the key events of the 1940 decade in which the film is set. 

The film will mark the reunion of Dixit Nene and Sanjay Dutt on the big screen. Initially, late actress Sridevi was cast in the role now played by Dixit Nene. After the passing of Sridevi in February, the latter was confirmed as part of the film by the former's daughter, Janhvi Kapoor. 

In his statement, Karan Johar said, "KALANK has been an emotional journey for me! A germ of an idea that I had nearly 15 years ago...a film that was in a pre production stage helmed by my father...am now proud to Pass it onto the extremely capable and visionary hands of our director Abhishek Varman! A beautifully structured story by Shibani Bathija and an exceptionally fluid narrative and screenplay by Abhishek." 

Kalank is expected to go on floors later this month and is scheduled to be released on 19 April 2019. 

The film will be produced by Dharma Productions in association with Fox Star Studios, and Nadiadwala Grandsons Entertainment.