Actor Priyanka Chopra has reportedly exited filmmaker Ritesh Batra’s upcoming period drama starring Saif Ali Khan, with conflicting schedules preventing the actress from joining the project despite her reported interest in the film.
According to a report by Mid-Day, the team had hoped to work around Chopra’s existing professional commitments but could not find dates that suited everyone. The film began shooting in Mumbai on October 21, leaving the makers looking for a new female lead as production moves forward.
“Priyanka was expected to join the Mumbai shoot. However, she had to bow out of the film. She was keen to headline it, and work with both Saif and Ritesh. Her existing professional commitments, however, led to a scheduling conflict. The team explored the possibility of working the dates around, but it just didn’t work out,” a source told the publication.
Why did Priyanka Chopra leave the film?
The reported exit appears to be a scheduling issue rather than a creative disagreement. Chopra was reportedly interested in working with both Saif and Batra, but her existing commitments made it difficult to accommodate the shooting schedule.
The production team is now reportedly considering two leading actors for the female lead, with a decision expected soon. Saif is filming his portions during the opening days of production.
The film is expected to follow a start-to-finish shooting schedule across locations in South Mumbai.
Chopra and Saif have never shared screen space, meaning the period drama could have marked their first on-screen collaboration. Her reported departure leaves that possibility on hold.
Batra is known for directing films including The Lunchbox (2013), The Sense of an Ending (2017), Our Souls at Night (2017) and Photograph (2019).
What’s next for Priyanka Chopra and Saif Ali Khan?
Chopra is expected to appear in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, which is scheduled for release on April 7, 2027. She is also attached to the sci-fi action thriller Bluefly with Russell Crowe and the survival thriller Reset, directed by Matt Smukler.
Saif was last seen in Priyadarshan’s thriller Haiwaan, which also starred Akshay Kumar.
With filming underway, the next major development for Batra’s period drama will be the announcement of its new female lead. The makers have not been reported as having officially confirmed a replacement.
