Sanjay, Arshad out of ‘Munnabhai’ series?

Legendary characters Munnabhai and Circuit from the ‘Munnabhai’ series may get new faces. Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra is keen to give the two most loved characters of Indian cinema a makeover.

Spicezee Bureau

Mumbai: Legendary characters Munnabhai and Circuit from the ‘Munnabhai’ series may get new faces. Yes, you read it right. Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra is keen to give the two most loved characters of Indian cinema a makeover. Sources have revealed that Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi might not feature in the next instalment of Munnabhai series. Speaking to a daily, a source revealed, “Sanjay and Arshad looked very different in 2006. by the time the third part is ready, it could be another two years. Keeping this in mind, a fresh and young cast is being considered for the two male leads.” The source further revealed that director Rajkumar Hirani may not direct the film either. Raju Hirani had earlier directed both the films which went on to become super hits. “Hirani has finished writing his super script which he refers to as his dream project. Naturally, it will be with a big hero. He is fast working out the cast. Rajkumar Hirani is very close to the ‘Munnabhai’ series. Even if he doesn’t direct the third, he will be attached to the project in some way. He might co-produce it with a completely new director,” added the source. Apparently, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra has shortlisted two directors and will soon take a decision. ‘Do Dooni Chaar’ director Habib Faisal and ‘Kites’ director Anurag Basu have been approached. “However, Basu’s inclusion is a bit unlikely as he is very busy with ‘Barfee’ for UTV. Hence, Faisal is the most likely selection. Vidhu has a fabulous equation with Faisal as well, which might work to Faisal’as advantage,” added the source. The third film in the ‘Munnabhai’ series was supposed to be ‘Munnabhai Chale Amerika’ which now has been dropped. In fact, when the film was announced, few trailers featuring Arshad and Sanjay were also shot. With that script being cancelled, a new script for the third part is being written. While the makers are ensuring that the third film is equally entertaining and matches up to the audience’s expectation, exclusion of Dutt and Warsi will surely affect its fans. Because even though the characters Munna and Circuit are extremely lovable, they were brought alive on screen by these two fabulous actors.