`Aankhen` sequel to go on floors soon

Mumbai: Producer Gaurang Doshi is all set to churn out a sequel to his hit heist film "Aankhen", with only megastar Amitabh Bachchan being retained from the original cast. The 2002 film directed by Vipul Shah, starred Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal and Sushmita Sen in lead roles. It was about a bank robbery by three blind men.

"We have been working on this idea of a sequel since quite some time. The first part of the film had two endings -- one for the Indian market and the other for the overseas audience. The three protagonists in the film would remain blind," Gaurang said. The second installment will be helmed by a new director as Gaurang had a massive fall-out with director Vipul Shah during the making of ‘Aankhen’. Also, there were reports that Akshay and Gaurang had a huge showdown due to monetary issues. Besides, a romantic song between Arjun and Sushmita was edited out. So the two were unhappy about it too. Talking about the fresh star cast, Gaurang said, "There will be a new cast except for Amitabh Bachchan. We are on the verge of finalising things and would make an announcement soon." The sequel will be shot in India, Canada and England. The film would go on floors this year and is expected to release next year. PTI