Once Upon A Time in Mumbai 2 Shoot in Pakistan
Thursday 9 February 2012
Filmmakers Ekta Kapoor and Milan Luthria are contemplating shooting their sequel, based on the life of Dawood Ibrahim, in the neighbouring country
Kunal M Shah
Pakistan, the new Mumbai? Well, Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms and director Milan Luthria certainly see some resemblance as they are contemplating filming portions of the sequel of Once A Upon A Time In Mumbai, across the border.
Although the filmmakers are keen on the idea, they are sceptical to go ahead with the plan due to eminent concerns of safety and security of the cast in the film, which is based on the life of the don Dawood Ibrahim.
Our source told us, “The ideal location to shoot the film is in Pakistan and Ekta and Milan are surely thinking about it. However, the security is a major concern. It is no secret that Akshay Kumar is essaying the role of Dawood Ibrahim, who is allegedly living in Karachi.
The makers are still in the process of zeroing down on a hero, who will star opposite Akshay. However, one thing is for sure that he will be a young hero. Following the original film, which was shot in actual gangster areas in Mumbai, Ekta and Milan are now trying to find similar possible locations in Pakistan to shoot the sequel. However, they are yet to get the consent of the actors to shoot in the neighbouring country.”
The source added, “The idea to film there makes sense as the film deals with Dawood’s life and his rise in the underworld, after the death of various dons like Haji Mastan, Vardha Rajan and Karim Lala. Following the Mumbai bomb blast, Dawood supposedly fled to Pakistan and is reportedly staying in Karachi.
For even a portion of the sequel to be shot in Pakistan would be hugely controversial. Considering the content of the film, the support of the Pakistan government will be necessary, if the producers decide to shoot there, even just for two to three days.”
When contacted Tanuj Garg, CEO – Balaji Motion Pictures, said, “It’s too early to comment. We’re still working on the script.We will weigh all location options, once the script is ready.”
Diva Poonam Pandey is having fun and cracking jokes about the two ministers who were caught watching porn in Karnataka assembly and have now resigned.
Ramesh Taurani and Deepika Padukone are at loggerheads over her dumping 'Race 2' in favour of Rajnikanth's next film. Buzz is that in order to sign a film opposite Rajnikanth (Kochadaiyaan directed by Rajni's daughter Soundarya), Deepika Padukone gave a royal snub to Abbas-Mustan's Race 2. Apparently the actress had allegedly misled the makers of the action thriller about the real reason for opting out. Ramesh Taurani the producer of the film is seething with anger at Dippy.
Inconvenience for others
Raveena Tandon says her best Valentine's Day was when her husband Anil Thadani presented her with a romantic evening.
Akshay Kumar is shooting the climax of his forthcoming film "Rowdy Rathore" at Badami village and says he will miss the place once the shoot gets over.
Sanjay Dutt is mighty pleased with his latest film Agneepath crossing the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office. However, the modern day Kancha Cheena is in no hurry to sign up for another negative role so soon. Reason - he's still enjoying the feedback his menacing portrayal of the character is getting from the public.
The actor is also optimistic about his new productions Zilla Ghaziabad and Department undoing the damage of his maiden venture, Rascals. Remakes of the Telugu hits Dhee and Badri are in the planning stage. Casting aside our questions about him regretting Rascals, he maintains, "I'd rather look ahead positively."