In a unique cinematic collaboration, Jitendra Kumar and Pooja Bhatt are set to share the screen in Kabutarbaazi, an upcoming film that revives one of India’s oldest yet fading traditions: the art of pigeon flying.
Backed by producer Khyati Madan, the film explores the fascinating world of kabutarbaazi, a practice that once filled Indian rooftops with life, colour, and fierce competition. Set in a small town that still clings to this airborne passion, the story follows a young man whose heart beats for the pigeons he trains, and the mother who watches over him with love, pride, and quiet strength.
Jitendra Kumar, who has won hearts with his natural performances in Panchayat, Kota Factory, and Bhagwat: Chapter One – Rakshas, takes on the role of a devoted pigeon flyer. The character reflects his signature mix of charm and emotional honesty — someone torn between chasing freedom in the skies and fulfilling his responsibilities on the ground.
Opposite him, Pooja Bhatt portrays his mother — a woman rooted in tradition but burdened with her own emotional battles. It’s a layered role that promises to showcase Bhatt’s maturity and subtle screen presence, bringing warmth and depth to the narrative.
Kabutarbaazi marks the directorial debut of Bilal Hasan, whose vision aims to blend realism with poetic nostalgia. The film is co-produced by Hitesh Kewalya, known for his writing in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, and promises to offer both emotional weight and visual beauty.
Speaking about the film, producer Khyati Madan described it as “a blend of tradition and emotion — where pigeons take flight, but hearts stay grounded and connected.” Her statement captures the essence of a story that’s not merely about birds or sport but about community, heritage, and the unspoken ties that hold families together.
The world of kabutarbaazi once symbolised brotherhood, skill, and rivalry with pigeon flyers treating their birds like family. The film aims to bring back that charm, portraying how this ancient practice, though slowly disappearing, still beats in the hearts of those who refuse to let it fade.
Scheduled to begin shooting early next year, Kabutarbaazi is expected to be a poignant blend of nostalgia and new-age storytelling. With Jitendra Kumar’s effortless realism, Pooja Bhatt’s emotional gravitas, and Bilal Hasan’s fresh direction, the film could become one of the year’s most heartfelt cinematic surprises. A reminder that sometimes, even when dreams take flight, love and belonging keep us grounded.
