Whenever Vishal Bhardwaj announces his project, the ears of every cinephile perks up. After all, this is a director who aims to please the cinematic sensibilities rather than the box office stirrings. Although his last movie, the ambitious WWII war romance Rangoon, failed to make any impact with the critics or the masses, we know he is just one film away from regaining his lost ground. Could that be his next movie, Pataakha, the first look of which the director had shared some time back on Twitter?

Starring Sanya Malhotra and Radhika Madan in the lead, Pataakha is based on Charan Singh Pathik’s short story Do Behnein. Earlier it was titled Chhooriyan, but the director later changed it to Pataakha, which means 'cracker' in English. The short story was about two duelling sisters who realise the significance of their relationship after their marriages. The first poster lives up to the theme as it has Sanya and Radhika in a headlock. The movie also stars Sunil Grover and Vijay Raaz in important roles.

It looks like wrestling won't leave Sanya any time soon, after having made her debut in Bollywood's highest grosser till date, Dangal. Radhika Madan, meanwhile, is known for her role in the television series, Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi. She also appeared as a celeb contestant in the reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa - Reloaded. Pataakha marks her debut in Bollywood.

Speaking about his actresses in an earlier interview, Vishal Bhardwaj had this to say, "We already knew that Sanya is a very good actor but Radhika was a revelation. They had to gain eight to 10 kgs which they did within a month. In one shot you see them weighing 50 kgs, in the very next shot as we fade out they are ten kgs heavier. It’s a great cinematic high!"

As per the first poster, Pataakha will release on September 28.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2018 05:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).