Kritika Kamra has locked her next feature. The actor, last seen in central turns in the period gambling series Matka King and the well-reviewed comedy-drama The Great Shamsuddin Family, is set to headline Pushaan Mukherjee’s directorial debut project, tentatively titled Dumbbell. The film is expected to go on floors in Mumbai in June.
Mukherjee has assisted on mainstream films like Kapoor & Sons (2016) and Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017). He also had a writing credit on the crime thriller series Abhay.
While plot details are under wraps, industry sources confirmed that Dumbbell is being mounted as a drama, with pre-production work currently underway. Kamra has begun preparing for her role ahead of the shoot, diving into workshops and script sessions as the project gathers pace. She recently attended a table read with the film’s primary cast.
A source close to the development said, “Prep work on Dumbbell is already underway in full swing. Kritika has begun early character preparation, with table reads, script workshops, and internal creative sessions currently in progress. The team is in the final stages of pre-production, and the film is scheduled to go on floors in Mumbai early next month.”
“There’s a strong focus on building the world and tonality of the film before cameras begin rolling,” the source added.
Kritika Kamra had a substantial television career before transitioning to films and streaming shows. The project marks her first major film announcement following her wedding to cricket commentator and television presenter Gaurav Kapur in March this year. The actor is also set to return for the second season of Matka King, starring alongside Vijay Varma in the series co-created and directed by Nagraj Manjule. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Mumbai’s gambling underworld, the Prime Video title was recently renewed for a second season.