Inshallah Revival Report: Reworked Script, Open Casting And Alia Bhatt On Board

A film that Bollywood had written off for years may be getting a second look. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt are reportedly in talks to revisit Inshallah, the romantic drama that was shelved in 2019. The plan, according to a Mid-day report, is to take it up once their current film, Love & War, is out. Neither the filmmaker nor the actor has confirmed anything officially.

Alia-bhatt-sanjay-leela-bhansali-inshallah
Photo Credit: Instagram: @aliaabhatt & Wikipedia

What The Report Says

The latest buzz comes from a Mid-day report that Bhansali and Alia are discussing a revival. Alia is reportedly back on board, while the male lead is still undecided. Casting has not been locked.

The timing matters. Love & War, Bhansali's next release, is scheduled for 21 January 2027. The idea, as reported, is to turn to Inshallah only after that film is out.

Not The Same Film

Readers expecting the 2019 version may be in for a change. According to reports, the project is not being treated as the same film that was announced years ago. Reports say the script is being reworked to give the love story a fresh approach, though the basic story is expected to remain.

Who Plays The Male Lead?

Casting is the open question. Salman Khan, the original lead, is out of the picture. Earlier this year, speculation suggested Shah Rukh Khan could step in, and reports said the film could be reworked as a mature love story.

The source, however, pointed out that no casting gets locked on a Bhansali film before the script is finalised. Salman is reportedly busy with a film by Raj and DK, and Shah Rukh has yet to decide his next project after King. One report adds that the role could even go to a younger actor, depending on how the new script shapes up.

Why Inshallah Was Shelved

The film was announced in 2019 with Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt, targeting an Eid 2020 release. It was meant to reunite Salman and Bhansali for the first time since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999.

Alia had spoken about her excitement at the time, recalling that she was nine when she first walked into Bhansali's office hoping to land a role.

The film never went on floors. It was reportedly shelved after Salman opted out shortly before the shoot, with reports citing creative differences between the actor and the director.

Alia And Bhansali: A Partnership That Moved On

Bhansali did not wait. He cast Alia in Gangubai Kathiawadi, which won her a National Award. They are now working together again on Love & War, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. It is the first Bhansali film for Ranbir since his 2007 debut, Saawariya.

Alia has not hidden her affection for Inshallah. In a 2024 interview, she described the film as a lovely love story when asked whether Bhansali could bring it back.

What Happens Next

For now, Inshallah is a project in discussion, not an announced film. The script comes first, then the casting, and Love & War must release before either moves forward. No start date or release window has been shared.

A shelved film, a reworked script and an empty male lead make for a story fans will watch closely. If the plan holds, Inshallah will return as a different film from the one announced in 2019. For now, the only certainty is that Bhansali and Alia are still creatively in sync.