Sidharth Malhotra exits from Balwinder Singh Janjua’s 'Mitti' ahead of filming - Report

In a surprising twist, Sidharth Malhotra has reportedly exited the upcoming film '

Mitti

', directed by Balwinder Singh Janjua, just one month before the shoot was scheduled to begin. The news, which has quickly spread across the industry, has left fans and insiders alike wondering about the reasons behind his sudden departure.
According to reports from Peeping Moon, the exit might have stemmed from

creative differences

between Sidharth Malhotra and Balwinder Singh Janjua.

While the actor has not made an official statement regarding the project, multiple sources have hinted at various possible reasons for his decision.
The report suggests that the creative differences may have arisen from concerns about the script, with Sidharth reportedly not fully convinced by the direction the film was taking. Some speculate that the actor might have been seeking more creative control on set, which could have led to the rift. Others point to Sidharth Malhotra's recent box office performances, implying that the financial backing for 'Mitti' might have been impacted by his recent struggles, further complicating the production process.

The film 'Mitti' is described as an action drama set in Uttarakhand, centered around themes of guilt, family, and the connection to one's land, or "mitti." In a brief statement to Bollywood Hungama, director Balwinder Singh Janjua shared that the film explores the idea of living with the burden of guilt and the lengths to which one will go to protect their home and family. Despite the buzz surrounding the project, Janjua has remained tight-lipped about further details, particularly in light of Malhotra's exit.

This isn't the first time Sidharth Malhotra has walked away from a high-profile project recently. It was previously reported that he opted out of a Meghna Gulzar film, where he was set to play a "tough man in uniform." This move has further fueled speculation about the actor's current career trajectory and his desire to shift focus toward different genres or roles.
Bollywood Hungama also reported that Malhotra might be attached to an upcoming romantic comedy directed by Tushar Jalota. The yet-untitled film is expected to be a light-hearted and commercially viable project, contrasting sharply with the intense action drama of 'Mitti'. While the female lead has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest that Janhvi Kapoor is in talks to join the cast.
Meanwhile, there are ongoing discussions about Malhotra potentially joining the cast of 'Race 4', alongside Saif Ali Khan. Additionally, rumors are swirling that he may soon reunite with his actress-wife, Kiara Advani, for a romantic comedy, marking their first on-screen collaboration since their wedding in February 2023.