Saif Ali Khan was recently clicked with a thick beard and mustache. While many were contemplating, it was revealed that the facial fuzz is for his next role in Navdeep Singh’s next directorial venture. Navdeep, who directed the Abhay Deol starrer Manorama Six Feet Under and Anushka Sharma’s NH10 is making a period-action-thriller with Saif. The film also stars Zoya Hussain as the female lead. Manav Vij and Deepak Dobriyal will be seen in pivotal roles along with Sonakshi Sinha who makes a special appearance.

Saif is playing the role of a vengeful Pathan in the film which is yet untitled. The film was supposed to be called Battle of Buxor followed by Dussehra and Kaaptaan, but still does not have a title yet. The filmmakers were speculating on calling the film as Soorma or Hunter but lost both the titles as they are registered by other production houses. However, this has not been a dampener for the shooting of the film which is going in full swing.

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The film is being produced by Aanand L Rai production and the second shooting schedule has started in the fortress city of Devgarh. On Thursday, Saif took off to join the unit for the second shooting schedule. The actor is supposed to shoot many action sequences during the 32-day schedule. Reportedly a source said, “Saif began training in sword-fighting and knives play last month. The unit will be shooting in the sanctuary and hills of Kali Ghati, where there are many bridges and tunnels constructed by the British. Kunjbihari Mandir, famous for the many bats that live inside the roof of the structure, is in the heart of the town.” The first schedule of the film was shot in Rajasthan. Jodhpur, Udaipur and Desuri played host to the film’s crew for the shooting. After Devgarh, the film will also be shot in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai.