Sequels to look forward to in 2012

Bollywood has gone sequel mad. In the past decade there have been unprecedented box office blunders with only a few films emerging as iconic. So our filmmakers have decided to work with tried and tested formulas in the form of sequels. Here’s what we have to look forward to in the coming year!

1. DOSTANA 2

Director: Tarun Mansukhani

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Dino Morea, Abhay Deol

This is the much-awaited sequel to the comical bromance that released in 2008. However, as the ‘Desi Girl’ walked into the sunset with her beau, it was inevitable that we would have a new leading lady. Katrina Kaif is replacing Priyanka Chopra and the setting has changed to London, in this Dharma Production, but thankfully not much else has changed. Expect the same club-hopping tunes and the vibrant choreography of the first. The film was slated to release in 2012 but is now reportedly set for 2013. While Katrina will undoubtedly be on top form, and Abhay will bring gravitas to the film, we are most looking forward to the dynamic duo of the original; John’s and Abhishek’s sizzling chemistry and impeccable comic timing are going to be the highlight of the film.

2. ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI 2

Director: Milan Luthria

Cast: Akshay Kumar

Opening to mixed reviews but commercial success, the 2010 Ajay Devgn-led film may well become a franchise. The original filmmakers are hoping to move the story forward with Akshay Kumar at the helm. Currently, he is the only actor to be confirmed in the cast and is rumoured to be playing a character modelled on Dawood Ibrahim, the notorious underworld don. Many names were bounced around for the female lead, including Kareena Kapoor, but if sources are to be believed then it is Vidya who will be signing the dotted line for the coveted role of the leading lady. Shahid Kapoor is also said to be in talks to play the second lead. The film is said to go on the floor in early 2012, and should be ready for release later in the year; so watch this space, folks!

3. ROCK ON 2

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Sharman Joshi, Purab Kohli

After three years of waiting, Rock On 2 has been finally confirmed. Abhishek Kapoor will once again take the reins and Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal and Purab Kohli will be reprising their roles from the original film. Sharman Joshi has also been added to the cast and Priyanka Chopra is rumoured to be the female lead in this sequel. Sources say that the story is about the band’s search a new band mate. Though it hasn’t been confirmed, it is likely that Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will be composing the songs for the film. We are very excited to see the cast and crew of Rock On 2 set our screens ablaze with a solid storyline, phenomenal music and stellar acting!

4. TANU WEDS MANU SEASON 2

Director: Aanand L. Rai

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Madhavan

Amidst the plethora of male-led sequels, Tanu Weds Manu Season 2 is breaking convention and forging ahead with the same lead actress. Kangana will be reprising her role from the original film but there have been no confirmations about the male lead. The rumours doing round is that the filmmakers wanted to keep the USP of the original film: Tanu’s quirky yet affable character. Furthermore, if the rumours are to be believed, it is Madhavan’s fee that is the reason behind his absence in the film. However, it is also being speculated that the makers want an actor with more star power. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out on the story, since ‘Tanu’ did in fact wed ‘Manu’. The film is expected to leave behind colourful terrains of India and head to exotic and foreign shores. Here’s to seeing the bride and hopefully the groom!

5. DEDH ISHIQYA

Director: Abhishek Chaubey

Cast: Arshad Warsi, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Kangana Ranaut and Irrfan Khan

Ishqiya was an unexpected success and the ambiguous ending left it open for a sequel. Two years later, the sequel to the underworld comic caper is now a reality, set to go on the floors in 2012. The film is in its initial stages and pre-production is underway. Arshard Warsi will once again don the mantle of ‘Babban’, while Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Kangana Ranaut are touted to be the leading ladies. Naseeruddin Shah was meant to be reprising his role but according to sources, Irrfan Khan will be replacing him. The cast alone is enough to pique the audiences’ interest and we expect some Madhuri Magic, since she will be gracing our screens after a five year absence. Expect stellar performances, a captivating storyline and possibly iconic dance sequences!

6. KRRISH 3

Director: Rakesh Roshan

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Vivek Oberoi, Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut

Bollywood’s answer to the superhero saga, this Hrithik Roshan-led franchise will be coming to a theatre near you in 2012. The third instalment of the franchise, said to be heavily influenced by the X-Men trilogy, will be directed by Rakesh Roshan himself. Vivek Oberoi will play the antagonist, and Indian cinema will finally see equally capable super-villain. While Priyanka Chopra remains the leading lady and the star of Krrish’s heart, Kangana Ranaut will also be joining the cast for this adventure.  Expect a thrilling and exhilarating ride as we see Krrish move forward to his destiny!

7. HOUSEFULL 2

Director: Sajid Khan

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, John Abraham, Asin, Zarine Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shahzahn Padamsee, Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Mithun Chakravarthy, Boman Irani, Shreyas Talapde

This film is much bigger than the previous offering; they have thrown in everything except the kitchen sink. The locations for the shoot include the yet under-utilised Argentina and Chile. We are going to see Akshay Kumar transform from a gawking geek to a suave and sophisticated man about town. Our heroines, Asin, Jacqueline, Shahzahn and Zarine are all expected to wear bikinis, adding the ‘oomph’ factor. Randhir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor are going to bringing the sibling rivalry to the screen. Furthermore, expect some crazy choreography as the dancing stars of the yesteryears, Mithun and Rishi, are expected to have a dance off. If that wasn’t enough to intrigue the audiences, Rani Mukherji, Karisma Kapur and Malaika Arora are going to scorch the screen in smoking hot item numbers. And just in case the ‘filmi’ quotient isn’t enough, Indian cricketers Dhoni and Raina are expected to be seen in cameos. With so much happening and so many stars, we expect the audiences to be going out in full force to watch the old-school Bollywood extravaganza!

8. DABANGG 2

Director: Arbaaz Khan

Cast: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Arbaaz Khan, Prakash Raj

After a few false starts, the film is now underway. The original director, Abhinav Kashyap, and our favourite villain, Sonu Sood, are no longer a part of this project but producer-actor Arbaaz Khan has decided to add another feather to his cap, as the film’s director. Salman Khan will, of course, be donning the police uniform and moustache for the character of Chulbul Pandey, Sonakshi will be the quintessential village belle, while the film has a new villain in Prakash Raj. However, despite the strong cast and the entertainment value, they have a long road ahead since it is going to be a great challenge to recapture the magic of the first film and trying to outdo the popularity of ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’. Our fingers are crossed!

9. RACE 2

Director: Abbas-Mustan

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Ameesha Patel, Anil Kapoor

The Dhoom franchise may have lost John very early on, but their loss has been Race’s gain. John has been added to the cast of Race 2. Ex-beau Bipasha Basu is said to be doing a cameo but it is Deepika Padukone who will be the leading lady of this latest outing. Shiraz Ahmad, who wrote the screenplay forRace, will be penning the story for this film as well. Jacqueline Fernandez and Amisha Patel will also be joining the already electric cast. The film went on the floor in November 2011. We are told that the film is slicker and edgier, as if that we possible!