Mumbai, 16 October (H.S.):

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is preparing to return to the big screen with a distinctive crime story. He will play the lead role in ‘Kabootar’, the debut feature film of director Ishan Sharma.

Set in Delhi, the film will feature Siddiqui as a detective who investigates cases using unconventional methods. Filming is scheduled to begin in Delhi in early 2027. The project is being produced by Nikhil Chaudhary’s company, MDC Filmworks, in collaboration with producers from France and Norway.

According to reports, the story revolves around a detective named Mehboob, who lives amid the narrow lanes and old buildings of Old Delhi and seeks out unusual cases. He is particularly intrigued by letters addressed to jinn, which he secretly reads. His life subsequently becomes intertwined with two individuals facing their own personal struggles. A Japanese tourist is attempting to overcome the pain of her past, while a child named Ruby is searching for their missing parents. Through these intersecting lives, the narrative gradually unravels several layers of mystery and crime.

Producer Nikhil Chaudhary believes that Siddiqui’s acting experience and familiarity with Delhi will be valuable assets to the film. The actor has established a distinctive screen presence through his performances in films such as ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and ‘The Lunchbox’, in which he portrayed markedly different characters.

Siddiqui’s association with the Cannes Film Festival and the International Emmy Awards could also help the project reach a wider audience, according to the report.

With India, France and Norway collaborating on ‘Kabootar’, the makers aim to present a story deeply rooted in the local world of Delhi while exploring themes that could appeal to international audiences.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar