Rising star Sara Arjun, fresh from the global success of the Dhurandhar franchise, has reportedly been finalised to play the legendary actress Madhubala in a highly anticipated biographical drama. Backed by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali as producer, the project marks a significant turning point for the long-delayed biopic. According to a recent report, the film is being developed as a direct-to-streaming release and is scheduled to begin production in July 2026. Sara Arjun To Play Madhubala? ‘Dhurandhar’ Star Joins Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Jasmeet K Reen for Legendary Biopic.

Sara Arjun To Step Into the Shoes of Madhubala in Her Biopic?

According to a report in Variety India, the casting of Sara Arjun comes after years of speculation regarding who would portray "The Venus of Indian Cinema." While names like Kiara Advani and Kalyani Priyadarshan were previously linked to the role, sources indicate that Arjun’s performance in Dhurandhar which reportedly crossed the INR 3,000 crore mark globally, helped her secure the lead.

Directed by Jasmeet K Reen (Darlings), the film will reportedly focus on the duality of Madhubala’s life, juxtaposing her meteoric rise in the 1950s with the personal health struggles and emotional heartbreak that defined her final years. Reen is expected to take a nuanced approach to the actress's life, moving beyond her screen persona to explore her complex off-screen reality.

A Grand Tribute to a Cinematic Legend

The biopic is envisioned as a grand ode to the Golden Age of Hindi cinema. Production insiders suggest that Arjun will undergo an intensive physical and style transformation to replicate Madhubala’s signature grace and screen presence. This includes rigorous dialect training and extensive look tests to ensure historical accuracy.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s involvement as producer has elevated expectations for the film's visual scale. Known for his meticulous attention to period detail, Bhansali is expected to bring a high level of technical craftsmanship to the project, even as it bypasses a traditional theatrical window in favor of a streaming debut.

More About the Madhubala Biopic

A critical component of the narrative will be Madhubala’s high-profile relationships, which remain a subject of fascination decades after her passing. The production team is currently in the process of casting two pivotal male leads to portray screen legend Dilip Kumar and singer-actor Kishore Kumar.

The film aims to explore the emotional depth of her long-term romance with Dilip Kumar and her subsequent marriage to Kishore Kumar, providing a comprehensive look at the woman behind the "most beautiful face in the world."

Initial Hurdles

Despite the current momentum, the Madhubala biopic has faced a rocky road to production. The project was previously stalled due to budget constraints and licensing hurdles regarding the actress's estate. Asha Bhosle Tribute: How the Legendary Singer’s Classic ‘Piya Tu Ab to Aaja’ Elevated Ranveer Singh’s Swagger in ‘Dhurandhar’ With ‘Monica’.

With filming set to commence this July, the production marks a major leap for Sara Arjun, transitioning from the high-octane action of the Dhurandhar series to a demanding character study of one of India's most enduring icons. An official announcement from Bhansali Productions is expected in the coming weeks as pre-production nears completion.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2026 10:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).