‘Munnabhai 3’ without Rajkumar Hirani?

Zeenews Bureau Mumbai: Munnabhai has the knack to bring smile on everyone’s face. However, after delivering two successful hit sequels, the filmmakers dropped the idea of releasing its third sequel. While explanation of the delay ranged from switchover of lead cast to too cheeky scripts, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra dropped a bomb recently by announcing that Rajkumar Hirani would not be directing the third Munnabhai film anymore. Apparently, the third film which is expected to go on floors by the end of 2012 will have its lead cast intact but the directorial reins might just change hands. According to a leading daily, it has been known that Rajesh Mapuskar, who has directed Chopra`s forthcoming film ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’, is being considered as a replacement for Hirani. Confirming it, Chopra said, “We are writing the film now. Hirani is making another film. So, it could be him directing my film or it could be Rajesh Mapuskar. Rajesh has done a great job with ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’.” On inquiring if losing Hirani was good idea, Chopra explained, “You know what, Hirani, Mapuskar and I work as a family. We at Vinod Chopra Films work like a family. Now, Hirani has written the dialogues for Mapuskar`s film. And Hirani is the biggest director in this country. Tell me, which director will want to write dialogues for his assistant`s film after being so successful in life?” Explaining why it took him over five years to plan the third part of the successful franchise Chopra said, “I shall never lower the standards of my company.” Quoting Ingmar Bergman (Swedish director) he said: “The first commandment of cinema is `Thou shall entertain`. The second commandment is `Thou shall entertain without selling your soul`. This company has not sold its soul for 30 years and never will. If I make ‘Munna Bhai 3’ just because I want to make Rs 200 crore overnight, it would be selling my soul. I will never do any film thinking is me toh maal banega, bech do. The point that I am trying to make here is that I am not going to make a bad Munna Bhai just to make money. If that were the case, I would have made the third part two years ago. I am trying to make a great movie. And I am hoping that I shall succeed.”