Karan Johar, on Monday, announced that the former professional boxer, considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, will join Vijay Devrakonda and Ananya Panday in their upcoming film ‘Liger‘.
“For the first time ever, the king of the ring will be seen on the big screens of Indian cinema! Welcoming @MikeTyson to the #LIGER team,” Karan tweeted this evening.
For the first time ever, the king of the ring will be seen on the big screens of Indian cinema! Welcoming… https://t.co/PY948CBzLA
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) 1632738713000
The star producer also released a black and white clip to introduce Tyson saying, “We are proud to announce, for the first time on Indian screens. The man who created history. Unbeatable icon, one and only legend, the great Mike Tyson, is on board for our prestigious project.”
Going by the clip, it wouldn’t be too far fletched to guess that the sports drama may just see Vijay stepping in the ring and taking on “The Baddest Man on the Planet”, aka, Tyson.
A visibly ecstatic Vijay, took to his handle to share the clip and wrote, “We promised you Madness! We are just getting started… For the first time on Indian Screens. Joining our mass spectacle – #LIGER. The Baddest Man on the Planet. The God of Boxing. The Legend, the Beast, the Greatest of all Time! IRON MIKE TYSON.”
We promised you Madness!We are just getting started :)For the first time on Indian Screens. Joining our mass spe… https://t.co/6i0DnQPGwS
— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) 1632739083000
While this will be the first time we will see the boxing superstar in action on the big screens, it is not the first time that he has been approached to star in a Bollywood movie. Way back in 2007, the champ was reportedly approached by producer Firoz Nadiadwala for his film ‘Fool n Final’.
Tyson was reportedly eyed to make a special appearance in the film that starred Sunny Deol, Shahid Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shett.
‘Liger’ was originally slated to release in September 2020, but was delayed owing to the pandemic. In a joint statement, Johar and Deverakonda expressed concern over the surge in COVID-19 cases in India and also explained their decision to hold back the release of the film’s teaser trailer.
“During these testing times, we hope you all are staying indoors and taking care of yourself and your loved ones. We were all geared up to reveal a power-packed teaser for “Liger” on 9th May. However, due to the current scenario and environment that our country is facing, we have decided to postpone the same in the hope to share it with the world at a better time for us all,” the statement read.
‘Liger’ is scheduled to have a pan-India theatrical release. It will be launched in five languages– Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.
