Once Upon A Time in Mumbai 2 Shoot in Pakistan
Thursday, 9 February 2012
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.”
