Dhurandhar actor Sara Arjun confirmed for Madhubala biopic backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali; shoot begins July: Report

After years of delays and false starts, the long-awaited biopic on legendary actor Madhubala is finally taking shape. The makers have locked in Sara Arjun to step into the shoes of the iconic star, marking a significant milestone for the ambitious project.The film will also mark Sara’s first major Hindi outing following the massive success of Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' franchise, with 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' further boosting her rising career.According to Variety India, the biographical drama, envisioned as a direct-to-streaming project, is set to go on floors in July 2026.The project, which had been in development for years, faced delays due to budget constraints before gaining fresh momentum. The turning point came when Sanjay Leela Bhansali stepped in as producer. The film will now be directed by Jasmeet K Reen, best known for 'Darlings'.Taking on the role of Madhubala is no small feat, and Sara Arjun has already begun intensive preparation to capture the star’s timeless beauty, grace and screen presence.Casting is currently underway for the two pivotal male roles of Dilip Kumar and Kishore Kumar, both of whom played significant roles in Madhubala’s personal life.Interestingly, Kiara Advani was earlier in talks for the role, but the plans did not materialise, eventually opening the door for Sara. The yet-untitled film aims to go beyond the silver screen legacy of Madhubala and delve into the complexities of her personal life.From her deeply discussed relationship with Dilip Kumar to her marriage with Kishore Kumar, the narrative will explore the emotional highs and lows that defined her journey, culminating in her untimely death at the age of 36.Sara Arjun's first caught attention with her role as Yalina Jamali in Aditya Dhar’s 'Dhurandhar' (2025) and its sequel 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. The franchise, headlined by Ranveer Singh, has reportedly crossed Rs 3000 crore globally.The films also featured Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi and Danish Pandor.With the Madhubala biopic now back on track, all eyes are on how Sara brings one of Indian cinema’s most iconic faces to life.Also See: Sara Arjun to play Madhubala in Sanjay Leela Bhansali film; Sridevi to Madhuri Dixit, Meet actresses who recreated the iconic look |