'Ishqiya' part 3 expected to hit floors this year

Arshad Warsi and Naseeruddin Shah in a still from 'Dedh Ishqiya'

The iconic duo of Babban and Khalujaan are getting back to tickle your funny bones as the third instalment of Ishqiya is set to go on floors later this year. After the failure of 'Dedh Ishqiya' (part two), the production house had decided to put a full stop to the franchise, but we hear, a "terrific" script managed to change their mind.

Arshad Warsi and Naseeruddin Shah in a still from Dedh Ishqiya

A unit hand tells hitlist, "The film will be produced by Ketan Maru. Though Abhishek Chaubey is said to be directing it, we haven't got an official confirmation from him yet. The female lead hasn't been locked either. So far, only Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi are on board and will reprise their roles of Khalujaan and Babban, respectively. Once the heroine is signed, the actors' dates will be finalised."

The news comes as a surprise since co-producer Vishal Bhardwaj had categorically said that he doesn't intend to make the third part following the lukewarm response to Dedh Ishqiya. According to trade pundits, the sequel starring Shah, Warsi along with Madhuri Dixit Nene and Huma Qureshi had suffered losses, causing disinterest in both producers to explore a third film in the series.

"But when a terrific script came their way, there was no way they could hold back," adds the insider.

Chaubey and Bhardwaj did not respond despite repeated attempts.

When we reached out to Shemaroo Entertainment, the official spokesperson refrained from sharing details and simply said, "We do not wish to comment on the story."