Panipat to unfold on a large canvas

Period drama Panipat is one of filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar’s most ambitious projects. The director, who has never compromised on the scale of his films earlier, is trying his best to stay true to the story.

Being a period drama, Panipat requires a huge set. Ashutosh, who has locked ND studios to construct a set, is reportedly recreating Shaniwarwada for the film. Art director Nitin Desai is working with Gowariker on the project.

While there were reports that the budget of the film was slashed after Arjun Kapoor’s Namaste England bombed at the box office, a source close to the project dismissed these reports. “Panipat was a high budget film ever since it was in its writing stage, and with a director like Ashutosh there is no way he will compromise with his film in any capacity,” said the source.

Starring Arjun Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles, the film is based on the third battle of Panipat that took place in 1761.

The director’s last venture was Hrithik Roshan and Pooja Hegde’s Mohenjo Daro that failed miserably in theatres.