Back in November last year we had reported that the Jon Favreau directed film Chef would be remade in Hindi featuring Saif Ali Khan. Well while initially the film was produced by Abundantia Entertainment, Eros International and Alumbra Entertainment, we now hear that the film will in fact be produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment.
Further we also hear that the film is slated to go on floor in September this year and will be directed by Raja Krishna Menon. As for the original film Chef that released in 2014 written, produced and directed by Jon Favreau, also featured him as the protagonist along with Robert Downey Jr, Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson and Dustin Hoffman. The film revolves around a professional chef, who quits his job at a popular Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity to restaurant’s controlling owner, and launches a food truck with his friend and son.
Commenting on the film director Raja Krishna Menon who is gung-ho about working on the Indian adaptation says, “When I walked out of the theatre after watching Chef, the first thought that crossed my mind was, I wish I had thought of this script. I loved it so much. I’m passionate about food, I travel every chance I get and I’m a father. Food, travel, and a father-son relationship are the ingredients of the story of Chef, so there was no way I was letting it go. Also, Saif is perfect for this role. I have been trying to work with Saif for a long time now and to be working with him on a subject that we both connected with so instinctively, is really the icing on the cake.”
Echoing a similar note, and obviously thrilled about being a part of the Hindi adaptation of a Jon Favreau project, Saif Ali Khan added, “I am very excited to be a part of this film. Jon Favreau is a genius and a very cool film mind. Almost more importantly though, is what Raja Krishna Menon will do with it. This is a director’s medium and I am really looking forward to acting under Raja’s direction.”
Talking about jointly producing Chef, Bhushan Kumar, Managing Director (T-Series) said, “Having produced Baby, Airlift and Sarbjit, we are committed to bringing content driven films to our audiences. We believe Chef will connect with today’s audiences and we are delighted to produce it. Raja Krishna Menon is a great director and we are delighted that he would be directing the film.” Speaking on the development, Vikram Malhotra, Founder & CEO of Abundantia Entertainment, adds, “I am delighted that our vision of re-imagining Chef – an iconic film – for India is taking such brilliant shape. With Raja helming the film, Saif in the lead and a strong partner like T-series on-board, we couldn’t have asked for better ingredients to serve this dish to the Indian audience.”
