Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 5: Film producer Ekta Kapoor has reportedly sued filmmaker Raaj Shaandilyaa for allegedly breaching a three-film contract with her banner Balaji Motion Pictures.
Raaj, who directed the successful Dream Girl and its sequel Dream Girl 2, was yet to helm the third project under the agreement. However, he was reportedly set to begin work on a film outside Balaji this month, prompting legal action from Ekta.
The film in question is Bhagam Bhag 2, a sequel to Priyadarshan’s 2006 hit comedy thriller Bhagam Bhag.
Actors Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal were set to reprise their roles, while Manoj Bajpayee was reportedly stepping in to replace Govinda from the original film. Meenakshi Chaudhary and Ayesha Khan were said to have joined as the leading ladies.
The sequel was scheduled to go on floors on March 2 with a 25-day schedule in Lucknow. However, the shoot has now been halted amid the legal tussle.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Ekta has also taken legal action against the film’s producers, including Ashwin Warde and Akshay Kumar’s banner Cape of Good Films. Representatives of Ekta and Akshay had not confirmed or denied the development at the time of publishing.
Industry sources indicate that the makers are attempting to resolve the dispute amicably. While a new director could be brought on board, any delay may significantly impact the film’s timeline, given the actors’ packed schedules.
Interestingly, Ekta and Akshay are currently collaborating on Bhooth Bangla, a horror comedy directed by Priyadarshan and slated for release on April 10. The makers have already unveiled the film’s first song, “Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge.”
The project marks Akshay and Priyadarshan’s reunion 16 years after Khatta Meetha.
This is not the first time one of Akshay’s sequels has run into legal trouble. Hera Pheri 3, the much-anticipated third installment of the cult comedy franchise, is also reportedly stalled due to a dispute over rights ownership.
The controversy traces back to Hera Pheri and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri. Producer Feroz Nadiadwala’s rights over the franchise have been questioned by GP Vijayakumar, who claims ownership linked to the original Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking.
As legal wrangles cloud multiple high-profile projects, the fate of Bhagam Bhag 2 now hinges on how swiftly the parties can settle their dispute.