There was a lot of excitement among fans and the industry after reports came in that superstar Salman Khan and maverick producer Karan Johar have joined hands for a film named Bull. What also added to the hype was that it was to be directed by Vishnuvardhan of Shershaah (2011) fame. Sadly, the project didn’t take off. As per some reports, it has gone into a rewrite. Some have even reported that Salman and Karan couldn’t agree on the acting fees of the former and hence the star has walked out. If Bull was made, it would have been released on Eid 2025. Salman has now given the dates to Sajid Nadiadwala and A R Murugadoss’ next, which now arrives in cinemas on the holy festival next year.
Bull is inspired by Operation Cactus of 1988, wherein Indian authorities helped the Maldives government. On November 3, 1988, the Indian Armed Forces came to the rescue of the Maldives government in regaining control after a coup attempt, orchestrated by businessman Abdullah Luthufi and the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE). The strained relationship between the two countries at the beginning of 2024 is said to have been one of the reasons why Bull is not being made.
Interestingly, 2-3 years ago, another film was to be made about this incident. It was also called Bull and even this project didn’t materialize. The film was officially announced in October 2021. It was to be produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Amar Butala and Garima Mehta of Guilty By Association. Aditya Nimbalkar, who had assisted on Shahid Kapoor-starrers like Kaminey (2009) and Haider (2014), among others, was all set to make his directorial debut. Shahid Kapoor was going to essay the role of Brigadier Farukh Bulsara, who led Operation Cactus. Needless to say, Salman, too, was going to play the same role in Karan Johar’s film.
Sadly, Shahid Kapoor’s Bull was put on the backburner. In an interview with Mid-Day in April 2022, Shahid explained, “It’s a big film, and we have been trying to take it on floors. But we are unable to deal with the logistical issues brought on by the pandemic. We need a more conducive atmosphere to make the film. So, it might take a little more time before it rolls.” The film never rolled and then the team at Dharma got interested in it.
As a result, one can’t help but wonder – Is this project jinxed? A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Before Salman Khan, the team at Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions even considered making the film with Shahid Kapoor. At one point, even Varun Dhawan was considered. But due to certain reasons, it didn’t work out. Finally, they realized that the role is apt for Salman Khan.”
An industry insider commented, “If the price issue had not arisen and the equation between India and Maldives were normal, Bull, starring Salman Khan, would have been on floors by now. The subject is powerful; Salman’s fans would have loved to see him in such a patriotic role. The project also carried goodwill due to Karan Johar’s association and also because Vishnuvardhan was the director; he has proved his worth with Shershaah.”
While some reports still suggest that it might kick off in early 2025, many in the industry have already given up hope. It now remains to be seen if Bull ever gets made and who gets to play the coveted role.
More Pages: The Bull Box Office Collection
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