Sudhir Mishra`s dream project with Saif Ali Khan put on hold

New Delhi: Sudhir Mishra`s dream project `The Nawab, The Nautch Girl & The John`s Company`, reportedly starring Saif Ali Khan, is put indefinitely on hold with both the director and actor moving on to other films.

"`The Nawab, The Nautch Girl & The John`s Company` isn`t happening as of now. It is a bigger film when compared to the others that I have made and requires a certain amount of budget, commitment and concentration," Mishra told PTI. Set in the 19th century, `The Nawab The Nautch Girl & The John`s Company` is a period drama, which Saif was apparently keen on producing as well. However, he later got busy with `Agent Vinod` and Mishra too moved on. "I will definitely make the film but not in the near future. Before that I would be making another film with Prakash Jha. Then my next would be `Dhruv` with Kareena Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar and Chitrangda Singh," said Mishra. His film with Jha as the producer would star Arjun Rampal and Chitrangda. Based on the issue of sexual exploitation at workplace, it would go on floors this summer. Meanwhile, Mishra is happy that the audience is willing to listen to stories in a different format as long as they are entertainingly told, as seen in his latest release `Yeh Saali Zindagi`. "The success of the film is a clear example of how Indian audience is now open to new and good stories as long as they are told in a fresh format. The prime audience today comprise of youngsters and one has to cater to this market." The national award winning director is glad that after the critical success coming his way through films like `Hazaron Khwaishen Aisi` and `Dharavi`, he is getting commercial backing as well. "I am enjoying this phase. I make films which aspire to connect to the audience. My upcoming films would be following the same mode as well, including `The Nawab, The Nautch Girl & The John`s Company`," said Mishra. He also said that filmmakers are facing stiff competition from the small screen in terms of viewership these days. "The challenge is not just from films being made by the peers but also from television. In the age of TV growing so huge and the biggest of stars addressing you right in your living room, what does a film maker do to attract audience attention to the big screen?" "I have to make cinema which grapples you, influences you and creates an imagery which is interesting enough for you to step into theaters," said Mishra. PTI