After years of delays and false starts, the long-awaited biopic of legendary actor Madhubala is finally taking shape. The makers have roped in Sara Arjun to replace the popular star, marking an important milestone for the ambitious project.The film will also mark Sarah’s first major Hindi outing after the massive success of the Dhurandhar series, with Dhurandhar: The Revenge cementing her rising career.According to Variety India, the biographical drama, which has been conceptualized as a streaming project, is scheduled to go on floors in July 2026.The project, which had been in development for years, faced delays due to budget constraints before gaining new momentum. The turning point came when Sanjay Leela Bhansali took over the role of producer. The film is now directed by Jasmeet K Reen, best known for Darlings.
He watches
Sara Arjun seeks blessings at Mahakaleshwar temple amid rising fame
Entering the world of Madhubala
Taking on the role of Madhubala is no easy feat, and Sara has already begun extensive preparations to capture the star’s timeless beauty, grace and screen presence.Casting for the pivotal male roles is currently underway
Dilip Kumar
and Kishore Kumar, both of whom played important roles in Madhubala’s personal life.Interestingly,
Kiara Advani
He was earlier in talks for the role, but the plans did not materialize, which eventually opened the door for Sarah.
The yet-to-be-titled film aims to go beyond Madhubala’s legacy on the silver screen and delve into the complexities of her personal life.From her deeply discussed relationship with Dilip Kumar to her marriage to Kishore Kumar, the narrative will explore the emotional highs and lows that defined her journey, culminating in her sudden death at the age of 36.
Sara Arjun’s big jump
Sara first came to attention with her role as Yalina Jamali in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar (2025) and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The franchise, headed by Ranveer Singh, is said to have crossed the Rs 3,000-crore mark globally.The films also featured Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and Rakesh Bedi.With the Madhubala biopic back on track, all eyes are on how Sara brings one of the most iconic faces of Indian cinema to life.