Arjun Kapoor Steps In For Imran Khan in 2 States

Arjun Kapoor Steps In For Imran Khan in 2 States

Arjun Kapoor has replaced Imran Khan as the male lead in the screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's 2 States, a joint production by Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Johar.
Imran was signed as the male lead in the end of May, but within weeks he quit the film. Why? Because he could give filming dates only in 2013 after completing his prior commitments, which include Milan Luthria's Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Again and Tigmanshu Dhulia's Milan Talkies. Johar and Nadiadwala wanted to start production in September.
The two producers had liked the 26-year-old actor in his debut role as the rustic Parma in Ishaqzaade and unanimously decided to cast him in 2 States. Arjun gave his nod immediately and the deal was signed Monday, June 25.
Filming will start in September and will be shot in Delhi. Arjun will play a Delhi boy who falls in love with a South Indian girl and the two want to marry.
"Arjun has a three-film deal with YRF. But the contract isn't exclusive. He is allowed to work in other productions as well. Karan wanted to capitalize on Arjun's popular rustic north Indian image and cast him as the male lead in 2 States." a source from Dharma told Mumbai Mirror.
"They have still not locked the girl but it might be a new face. All depends on the film's director, Abhishek Verman," says the source.
Debutant Abheshek Verman is son of veteran art director R Verman. Currently he is working as creative director on Karan Johar's Student Of The Year.
Sajid had the screen adaptation rights to the book since 2010. Many actors' and directors' names did the rounds since then. It started with Saif Ali Khan giving his nod for the lead role, followed by Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and then Imran Khan.
Knowing KJ doesn't take just anyone in his films, Arjun must be psyched!