Laila Majnu first look poster: Imtiaz Ali and Ekta Kapoor join hands to recreate one of the most immortal love stories

As a special Valentine's Day gift for all Bollywood movie lovers, director Imtiaz Ali and producer Ekta Kapoor have revealed the first look of their first collaboration -  Laila Majnu. Lovers of Indian folklore would be aware of this popular tragic Indian love story, that share much resemblance to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. However, going by the poster, the upcoming movie adaptation looks to adapted for modern times.

The movie is set to star newcomers in the lead roles, whose faces we are not able to discern from the poster. The makers also have not revealed their names anywhere in their tweets. The production company, Balaji Motion Pictures, had tweeted out the poster with the caption, "Some love stories never die...they get retold by passionate storytellers. Presenting the teaser poster of @ektaravikapoor and #ImtiazAlisLailaMajnu. Releasing on 4th May." Yup, it is coming out this May.

Ekta Kapoor also tweeted out the poster, with the caption, "Recreated. Re-imagined. Retold. Proud to collaborate with Imtiaz Ali to present a classic love story with a contemporary twist. Here's the teaser poster of #LailaMajnu, which will be out on 4th May. @balajimotionpic #ImtiazAlisLailaMajnu"

However, while Imtiaz Ali is involved in the project, he won't be sitting in the director's chair. Instead it would be his younger brother Sajid Ali who would be helming the project. In an earlier interview given to Indian Express, Sajid Ali had spoken about the project, where he revealed, "It’s a classic, intense Laila Majnu story. Though I don’t know how close I will get to it, I would like to contemporise it. The idea stemmed from Imtiaz and I am currently working on it. My sister-in-law Preeti Ali is producing it with Balaji Motion Pictures." Interestingly this is not Sajid's first movie, as he earlier made Banana with newcomers that is produced by John Abraham and due for release next year.

In a recent interview to Bombay Times, Ekta Kapoor had spoken about her interest in the project. She had said, “I’m honoured to creatively collaborate with Imtiaz and see his vision through. Moreover, this story has given us a chance to launch new talent. We are wrapping up the shoot fast. I’m excited to retell this classic love story with a fresh spin.”

In the same interview, Imtiaz spoke, “I’ve always been fascinated by legendary love stories and I wonder what keeps them alive for eons. The idea of revisiting 'Laila Majnu' has been on my mind for a while. There’s something magical and modern about the madness of their love.”

Since it is releasing in May, we can expect the promo to come out any time soon.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2018 12:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).