After the success of Padmavat, actress Deepika Padukone has been enjoying some time off from acting. However, reports have been making the rounds of her signing a two-installment deal for India’s first female superhero franchise.
Produced by Fox Star, the superhero avatar in the film is inspired by the Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman (2017).
Padukone is expected to undergo intense mixed martial arts training to perform high-octane action sequences and hand-to-hand combat.
Speaking to a news publication, a source close to the production said, “Since this is a first-of-its-kind mega project, the timelines for pre-production will be long and the project will go on the floors [in 2019].”
The source also revealed “a special outfit is being designed for her character which will be custom-made to facilitate hardcore physical combat and movement.”
This will be the first superhero film in Bollwyood with a female actor as a lead.
Superhero films tend to perform exceedingly well overseas, but have unfortunately not been able to receive the same kind of appreciation in India. Films like Ra.One, Krrish, Flying Jatt showcased unique male superheroes but failed to turn into profitable franchises.
To improvise Diana (Wonder Woman), hope Padukone is “the man who can” become the hero Hindi cinema needs for a successful superhero franchise.
