Ali Fazal to begin shooting for Milan Talkies in Lucknow next week

Actor Ali Fazal had a successful 2017 — he starred with Judi Dench in the Oscar-nominated Victoria & Abdul and his Hindi film, Fukrey Returns, was one of the surprise hits of the year.

While he hasn’t announced any more Hollywood projects, he has signed up for Tigmanshu Dhulia’s upcoming love story, Milan Talkies.

Fazal will play the lead opposite south Indian actress Shraddha Srinath, who will be make her Hindi film debut with the project. Shooting of the film has already begun in Lucknow, Fazal's hometown. The actor is due to join them shortly.

He told the daily tabloid Mumbai Mirror that he had previously shot in Lucknow for Always Kabhi Kabhi (2011). A few portions were also shot at La Martiniere College, his alma mater. Fazal still has family in the city and has promised to treat the cast and crew to some home-made food.

The actor said he was keen on working with Dhulia and spoke to him about it when the director's Paan Singh Tomar (2012) won the National Award. “I had enquired about the status of Milan Talkies then and today I’m excited to be a part of his pet project,” Fazal revealed.

Both Fazal and Srinath are said to play college students in the love story.

“It’s a beautiful script, I’ve done several readings with Tigmanshu sir over Skype during my Los Angeles trip last month. We have been constantly exchanging notes. They start shooting from Monday or Tuesday and I will join them soon after,” he said.

The actor also shared that not much has changed in the romantic script despite the delays in filming.