Anil Kapoors Hollywood flick Cities to roll by year-end

Anil Kapoor would be back in Hollywood soon. Though there was quite some fanfare when he was signed for Cities exactly a year ago, the film didn’t quite kick-start as per plans. Originally slated to go on floors in October last year, it went on hold for a while, hence making one wonder if the film would indeed make any progress soon. However all rumours are being quashed, what with those associated with the film confirming that the film is pretty much on track and it is just a matter of time before it goes on floors.

"Yes, it was announced that Cities would go on floors late last year. It is unfortunate it didn’t quite happen but the film would be made for sure. In fact plans are already being put together and all actors, whether Anil Kapoor, Kirsten Dunst, Orlando Bloom or Dominic Cooper, are kept posted on its progress. In all likelihood, the film would go on floors before the end of year", informs our well placed source.

When announced, Cities had made quite some buzz since it would be directed by Roger Donaldson, the man who has called the shots for the likes of Al Pacino (The Recruit), Pierce Brosnan (Dante’s Peak) and Jason Statham (The Bank Job). A thriller that brings together three different stories from London, Mumbai, and New York as the Dow Jones nears an all time high; it would feature Anil Kapoor as a Mumbai cop.

"The prime reason for its delay is that unlike Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, it doesn’t boast of a big studio backup", the source continues, "It is an independent film, just like the case was with Anil Kapoor’s last big outing in the West – Slumdog Millionaire. Such films need their own breathing space to get going. In any case, it is a prestigious film with many top names involved. Makers plan to make a huge announcement later this year."

Knowing how Slumdog Millionaire crossed all obstacles and turned out to be a cult outing globally, one expects Cities to repeat the feat as well. Meanwhile the delay has allowed Anil Kapoor to squeeze in a couple of Bollywood assignments in the available time. He said, "Yes, Cities will start at the end of the year. Before that I would be wrapping up Race 2 and Shootout At Wadala."