Tiger 3: Salman Khan's espionage thriller to roll in Turkey?

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. Pic/AFP

Salman Khan has wrapped up two films, Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai and Antim: The Final Truth, in the new normal. But the third project may be more demanding, given its lavish scale. The superstar was to kick off Tiger 3, the third instalment in his successful Tiger franchise, in March. While director Maneesh Sharma intends to stick to the timeline, he may have to tweak his plans - the espionage thriller, which was to originally go on floors in the UAE, is expected to now roll in Istanbul.

Producer Aditya Chopra has apparently done a rethink about the location due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the emirates. A trade source reveals, "Having ensured that the pre-production began last December, Adi wants to begin the film on schedule. Since the UAE is witnessing a spike in cases, Maneesh and he are now discussing the possibility of heading to Istanbul first and wrapping up the required portions with Salman, who has given his bulk dates from March." The producer has sent a team to Turkey for a quick recce. "The Yash Raj Films' production team, which had gone to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for Pathan's recce last month, stayed on for Tiger 3. Simultaneously, another batch is scouting for locations in the Turkish city. The director-producer duo will take a final call basis the feedback of these teams."

Maneesh Sharma and Aditya Chopra

Meanwhile, Khan, who reunites with Katrina Kaif to take the story of RAW (Research & Analysis Wing) agent Avinash Singh Rathore forward, is set to begin his prep today. The source adds, "Salman will sport a lean look in the movie. He will train with fitness expert Rajendra Dhole, who has previously worked with Tiger Shroff, Aayush Sharma and Disha Patani. Rajesh Rai, who had trained the actor for Dabangg 3, will oversee his fitness programme."