Actor Jitendra Kumar is stepping into an all-new world with his next film — a story deeply rooted in India’s traditional pigeon-flying culture, known as kabootar-baazi. The project, which also stars Pooja Bhatt in a pivotal role, promises to blend raw emotion, nostalgia, and the charm of India’s old mohallas.
A Story Steeped in Culture and Emotion
Best known for his relatable performances in Panchayat, Kota Factory, Jaadugar, and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Jitendra takes on yet another unconventional role. In this film, he plays a passionate kabootarbaaz — a man whose life revolves around the traditional art of training and racing pigeons.
Pooja Bhatt, who recently returned to the spotlight with strong performances in Bombay Begums and Bigg Boss OTT, will be seen playing Jitendra’s on-screen mother. The National Award-winning actress, celebrated for films like Zakhm, Tamanna, and Daddy, returns to intimate storytelling that draws on her emotional depth and understated screen presence.
The Team Behind the Project
The film is being produced by Khyati Madaan under the banner of Not Out Entertainment, with Hitesh Kewalya — writer of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan — serving as co-producer.
It is written and directed by Bilal Hasan, who previously earned acclaim for his short film Chupchaap, which received multiple awards and a Filmfare nomination. This project marks Bilal’s feature film directorial debut.
Capturing India’s Kabootar-Baazi Tradition
Set against the vivid backdrop of kabootar-baazi, the story follows the lives of those who dedicate themselves to the delicate yet fiercely competitive art of pigeon flying. The film will explore the relationships, traditions, and rivalries that define this niche community, while also telling a universal story about passion, pride, and generational legacy.
Though the setting is steeped in tradition, the emotional core remains timeless — a story about family, identity, and the unspoken bonds between those who share a dream. Filming is set to begin early next year.
Not Out Entertainment’s Expanding Slate
Not Out Entertainment continues to shape a diverse creative slate. The production house is currently working on Abhootpurva, a romantic horror comedy set in 1990s Agra, starring Ritwik Bhowmik and an ensemble of seven acclaimed actors.
Following that, the company plans to produce a horror drama inspired by a real-life national tragedy, featuring Ahan Shetty in the lead.
With this growing lineup, Not Out Entertainment is steadily carving a niche for itself by backing original, culturally rich stories that strike a balance between rooted storytelling and modern appeal.
Final Words:
With Jitendra Kumar and Pooja Bhatt leading the cast, Bilal Hasan’s debut feature looks set to deliver something truly heartfelt — a glimpse into a fading tradition that still soars in spirit, much like the pigeons it celebrates.
