Jitendra Kumar and Pooja Bhatt Take Flight into India's Pigeon-Flying Culture

Get ready for a truly unique cinematic experience! Beloved stars Jitendra Kumar and Pooja Bhatt are teaming up for a new film that explores the fascinating, age-old tradition of pigeon-flying in India.

TL;DR

Jitendra Kumar and Pooja Bhatt will star in an upcoming film centered on India's traditional pigeon-flying (kabootar-baazi) culture.
Kumar plays a devoted pigeon-keeper, with Bhatt portraying his on-screen mother, marking a powerful return to dramatic roles for her.
Filming is set to begin next year, with Bilal Hasan making his feature directorial debut, produced by Khyati Madaan's Not Out Entertainment.

Imagine this: you're walking through the narrow lanes of an old Indian neighborhood, the aroma of spices in the air, the distant hum of city life, and suddenly, you look up. Against the vast expanse of the sky, a flock of pigeons gracefully circles, guided by unseen signals from a rooftop below. This isn't just a picturesque scene; it's a glimpse into 'kabootar-baazi,' an ancient and vibrant tradition, and it's about to be brought to the big screen in a heartwarming new film.

Two talented actors, Jitendra Kumar and Pooja Bhatt, are joining forces for this as-yet-untitled project. They'll be delving deep into a practice that's much more than just a hobby for many, portraying a mother and son whose lives are intrinsically tied to these magnificent birds and the unique culture surrounding them. It promises to be a film that's both deeply rooted in Indian heritage and universally resonant.

Jitendra Kumar Takes on Another Distinctive Role in a Film Steeped in Tradition

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Jitendra Kumar, affectionately known as 'Jeetu Bhaiya' to many fans, has carved out a special place for himself in Indian entertainment with his relatable, nuanced performances. Whether he's navigating the complexities of rural administration in Panchayat (Prime Video), mentoring students in Kota Factory (Netflix), or dabbling in magic in Jaadugar (Netflix), he consistently brings emotional authenticity to his characters. Most recently, he was seen in Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas (ZEE5).

In this upcoming film, Kumar is set to portray a devoted pigeon-keeper, a role that will undoubtedly add another distinctive shade to his evolving filmography. He'll be tasked with embodying the passion and dedication that define a 'kabootarbaaz,' making this a transformative chapter in his career. The project also marks a reunion for Kumar with co-producer Hitesh Kewalya, who previously collaborated with him on the film Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (Source: Variety, Nov 9, 2025).

Pooja Bhatt Returns to Powerful Dramatic Territory as On-Screen Mother

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Joining Jitendra Kumar is the acclaimed National Film Award winner, Pooja Bhatt. Known for her intense and character-driven performances, Bhatt will portray Kumar's on-screen mother. This role is being highlighted as a significant return to the kind of intimate, emotionally charged performances she delivered in classics like Zakhm, Tamanna, and Daddy (Source: Dailymotion, Nov 10, 2025). Her presence promises to bring depth and gravitas to the family dynamic at the heart of the story.

While Bhatt has been active in recent years with projects like Bigg Boss OTT 2, Big Girls Don't Cry, and Chup: Revenge of The Artist, this film marks a powerful re-entry into serious cinema for the veteran actress. Her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety will surely enrich the narrative, particularly in exploring the bonds within a community so dedicated to its pigeons.

The Visionary Team Behind This Culturally Rich Cinematic Endeavor

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This unique project is being produced by Khyati Madaan through her Not Out Entertainment banner. The company is rapidly making a name for itself by developing culturally specific and genre-bending projects, emphasizing original voices and themes in Indian cinema. Not Out Entertainment aims to deliver emotionally rich and culturally textured stories to mainstream audiences (Source: Tripura Star News, Nov 10, 2025).

Hitesh Kewalya, known for his work on the Shubh Mangal franchise, serves as co-producer. He penned the script for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and both wrote and directed Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, showcasing his knack for storytelling that blends social commentary with humor. His involvement suggests a well-crafted narrative that resonates with a wide audience.

Stepping into the director's chair for his feature film debut is Bilal Hasan, who also wrote the script for this movie. Hasan is no stranger to critical acclaim, having earned a Filmfare award nomination for his award-winning short film, Chupchaap. His transition to a full-length feature indicates a fresh perspective and a keen eye for compelling storytelling, promising a unique visual and emotional experience.

Kabootar-Baazi: A Look into India's Fascinating Pigeon-Flying Tradition

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At its core, the film explores the world of 'kabootar-baazi,' India's traditional practice of training homing pigeons and flying them from rooftops. This custom isn't merely a sport; it's a legacy, a source of pride, and a deep emotional connection for many communities. While it thrives particularly in old Indian neighborhoods, pigeon-racing communities exist globally, indicating the widespread appeal of this unique bond between humans and birds (Source: Bollywood Hungama, Nov 10, 2025).

The film's story will unfold against this vivid backdrop, within the traditional 'kabootar-baazi' community. It promises to offer a rare glimpse into a vanishing practice that symbolizes not just competition but heritage and profound personal attachment. Despite its specific cultural setting, the film's essence is expected to remain deeply human and universal, exploring themes of family, tradition, and the pursuit of passion.

For example, imagine a young boy, eyes fixed on the sky, learning the intricate calls and gestures from his father that guide their flock. He sees not just birds, but tiny ambassadors of his family's history, carrying whispers of generations past. This personal connection, often passed down through families, forms the very soul of 'kabootar-baazi' and what this film aims to capture.

Not Out Entertainment's Commitment to Bold and Original Cinema

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This pigeon-flying drama isn't the only exciting project in Not Out Entertainment's pipeline. The banner is actively developing a diverse slate of films that blend originality with commercial appeal, reinforcing its reputation for crafting genre-bending, story-driven narratives. They are currently producing Abhootpurva, a romantic-horror-comedy set in 1990s Agra, starring Ritwik Bhowmik alongside an ensemble cast.

Additionally, the company has a horror film in development featuring Ahan Shetty, which is inspired by a real national tragedy. These varied projects demonstrate Not Out Entertainment's dedication to bringing fresh perspectives and original worlds to the screen, showcasing stories that are both rooted in specific cultural contexts and universally appealing.

Navigating the Challenges and Nuances of Niche Storytelling

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Bringing a story centered on a niche cultural practice like 'kabootar-baazi' to a mainstream audience presents its own set of fascinating challenges and trade-offs. One might wonder if the specific subject matter could limit its appeal to broader audiences who aren't familiar with pigeon flying. However, the production team's approach seems to focus on the human element, ensuring that the film's core themes of legacy, passion, and family connections transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

Another potential limitation could be the delicate balance between depicting the tradition authentically and making it accessible and engaging for those new to it. The filmmakers must avoid overly technical jargon while still honoring the intricate details that make 'kabootar-baazi' unique. By rooting the story in the emotional journey of characters like Jitendra Kumar's pigeon-keeper and Pooja Bhatt's mother, the film aims to make the unfamiliar familiar, drawing viewers into a world they might not have otherwise encountered.

The trade-off here is often between educational exposition and narrative flow. A skilled director like Bilal Hasan, with his award-winning short film background, will likely employ visual storytelling and character interactions to naturally integrate explanations of the practice without slowing down the plot. This allows the film to serve as both an entertaining drama and a fascinating cultural window, striking a balance that respects its subject while inviting a wide viewership.

Practical Takeaways from This Upcoming Cinematic Journey

Look forward to a fresh and emotionally rich story that delves into a rarely explored, unique Indian tradition.
Expect powerful performances from Jitendra Kumar as a passionate pigeon-keeper and Pooja Bhatt in a significant dramatic role as his mother.
This film marks an exciting feature directorial debut for Bilal Hasan, promising a compelling and original vision.
Khyati Madaan's Not Out Entertainment is a production house to watch, consistently backing diverse, culturally rich, and genre-bending films.

FAQ

When is filming expected to start for this pigeon-flying film? Principal photography for the untitled film is scheduled to begin next year. What exactly is "kabootar-baazi"? "Kabootar-baazi" refers to the traditional Indian practice of training homing pigeons and flying them from rooftops, often involving racing and deep emotional connections within communities. Where can I watch Jitendra Kumar's other popular works? You can find Jitendra Kumar in Panchayat (Prime Video), Kota Factory (Netflix), Jaadugar (Netflix), and Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas (ZEE5). What other projects is Not Out Entertainment currently developing? Not Out Entertainment is also producing Abhootpurva, a romantic-horror-comedy, and a horror film starring Ahan Shetty based on a real national tragedy.