Vidya Balan in Talks to Replace Priyanka Chopra as Saif Ali Khan Begins Shooting Ritesh Batra's Untitled Love Story in Mumbai

Vidya Balan Eyed to Step In After Priyanka Chopra's Reported Exit

Vidya Balan is reportedly in talks to replace Priyanka Chopra in filmmaker Ritesh Batra's upcoming untitled film, which stars Saif Ali Khan in the lead role. The development follows reports that Priyanka has exited the project.

According to Mid-Day, filming has begun in Mumbai, with Saif already starting work on the movie. The project is reportedly a love story set against a family backdrop.

Priyanka Chopra was previously linked to Batra's upcoming film, but reports of her departure have put the spotlight on Vidya as a possible replacement. The makers have yet to officially confirm the reported casting change.

Production Underway, Details Still Under Wraps

According to reports, the film's production is underway in Mumbai, with Saif having begun shooting. The title, supporting cast and release timeline remain under wraps.

The untitled project is described as a romantic drama set against a family backdrop. Further details about the storyline and the characters played by Saif and the female lead have not yet been disclosed.

A Reunion Nearly Two Decades in the Making

If Vidya's casting is confirmed, the film will reunite her with Saif nearly two decades after their previous on-screen collaborations. It will also mark Saif's first collaboration with Batra, who is internationally recognised for directing the acclaimed 2013 drama The Lunchbox.

Saif and Vidya have previously shared screen space in Parineeta (2005), which marked Vidya's debut in Hindi cinema. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, the romantic drama featured Saif alongside Vidya and Sanjay Dutt and remains an important early title in the actors' filmographies.

The two actors also appeared in Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007), directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. If the reported casting for Batra's film comes through, their next collaboration would reunite them on screen after nearly two decades.

What's Next for the Stars and the Director

Vidya's recent film appearances include Jailer 2 (2026), in which she played Kantha. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the Tamil action thriller also features Rajinikanth and Mohanlal. The actor has also been associated with the historical drama Raja Shivaji (2026). Over the years, Vidya has built a diverse filmography spanning romantic dramas, thrillers, comedies and biographical films. Her reported association with Batra's next project would mark another addition to her varied body of work.

Saif Ali Khan was last seen in Haiwaan (2026), a thriller co-starring Akshay Kumar. Saif played Shyam Rane in the film, which received mixed audience reactions.

Meanwhile, Ritesh Batra last directed the feature film Photograph (2019), starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sanya Malhotra. The film followed an unlikely connection between two people from different backgrounds in Mumbai. Batra rose to international prominence with The Lunchbox (2013), starring Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur. The film received widespread critical acclaim and established the filmmaker as a distinctive voice in contemporary Indian cinema.

With shooting already underway in Mumbai and the female lead still to be confirmed officially, all eyes are on whether Vidya Balan and Saif Ali Khan will share the screen once again under Batra's direction.