'Singh Is Kinng 2' ready to roll

Here's the latest on the Akki-Kat project

Before the brand runs out of steam, Akshay Kumar has decided to run the next instalment of 'Singh Is Kinng'.

Vipul Shah, who was in two minds, has decided to direct the sequel since Anees Bazmi seems too busy.

"Yes, after much planning and plotting, and two years since the first film, we've finally cracked an idea that works. My writer Suresh Nair and I are happy with what we've come up with. And yes I'll be directing the sequel," Vipul said.

Though Vipul is not willing to reveal much of the plot for the sequel at this juncture, it's reliably learnt that the sequel would begin where the first 'Singh Is Kinng' trailed off, namely in Australia and then move to another country, apparently Canada which is Akshay's second home.

Akshay's haste to start 'Singh Is Kinng 2' has a root cause. While playing a 'mona Sardar' in 'Patiala House' in London last month, he was repeatedly asked by Sikh fans in Great Britain when they'd get to see him as Singh again.

Akshay immediately contacted Vipul from London and urged him to direct the sequel.

Says Akshay: "Yes, a lot of fans in the UK are eager to see us do a sequel to 'Singh Is Kinng'. And I've asked Vipul to get on with it."

There is only one hitch. Singh's queen Katrina is completely booked till next year. And the sequel cannot be made without her.

Laughs Vipul: "She won't let me or Akshay make it without her. We'll just have to see how her dates are worked out."

Mani’s Raavana halts Vipul’s Action Replay

The most talked about film of Bollywood is Raavana, directed by Mani Ratnam.

But the busy schedule of the film is keeping Aishwarya Rai away, and she is not being able to give time to Action Replay with Khiladi Kumar Akshay. The film is being directed by Vipul Shah and is reportedly based on the Hollywood film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Hence Vipul’s plans to release his film in October has been hindered.

Confirming the news, Vipul spoke in print ‘Yes, what you have heard is true. I just need fifteen more days from Aishwarya to shoot for three songs and I am sure even she is equally curious about it as I am. But, unluckily, Raavana has taken far more of her time than she had projected. In addition, she is also shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish, so I have no option, but to wait.’

Vipul who crated magic with Aki in Namste London is hopeful of getting Aishwarya’s dates towards the end of September. Nevertheless, they wouldn’t be adequate as he also needs to shoot with her in November. Also, her dates will have to be coordinated with Akshay, who is another busy chap.

However Vipul says ‘Both Aishwarya and Akshay are very professional and I am hoping a solution soon for it from all of us. And Akshay is also the co-producer of Action Replay; he has an added inducement to give me his dates.’

Taking about the release of Action Replay Vipul says, ‘Now I think it will only be possible next year as there is lot to shoot for the film and then there is other post-production work to be carried. I had initially planned the release in October which was later pushed to December first week. The film will be completed on time but it will not release this year.’

Vipul’s considerate behavior towards Akki is widely known and the other reason why he does not want to release his Action Replay this year is, Akshay’s De Dana Dan is releasing on November 27 and you can’t have two Akki films competing. Another reason for the delay in Action Replay is that Vipul's other film London Dreams releases on October 30.