Saif shooting action sequences for Phantom in Vancouver

Saif Ali Khan is currently shooting heavy-duty action sequences for Kabir Khan’s Phantom in Vancouver. These stunts would see Saif stretching himself beyond his normal levels of endurance. Says a source close to the project, “The idea was to take the action in Phantom to a level beyond anything that will be see in Siddharth Anand’s Bang Bang.” Apparently producer Sajid Nadiadwala who is currently shooting for his directorial debut Kick has increased the budget for the action sequences in Phantom by Rs 5.5 crore. “In Phantom Saif will perform the kind of stunts that Hrithik is unlikely to attempt in Bang Bang. The current Vancouver schedule for Phantom is an add-on thrill for the subject. Sajid and Kabir decided to take this stunt-centric schedule on in a bid to take the action to an unplanned level,” says a source. The decision by the Phantom team to withdraw from the 2 October slot was taken although director Kabir Khan says they will be ready in time. Says Kabir, “We are in Vancouver shooting action sequences. We have 30 percent of the shooting left. We will be ready in time for the 2 October release. But we are not releasing as per schedule because the team for Bang Bang says they are definitely coming on 2 October. There is no need for an unhealthy clash.” The new release date for Phantom would be decided next month. It is likely to go to early next year.