Akshay Kumar in talks to star in 'Awara Paagal Deewana 2'

Akshay Kumar

After the success of his last production venture 'Welcome Back' (2015), Firoz Nadiadwala is rumoured to be gearing up for another sequel. Sources close to the producer have revealed that he is keen to take forward the story of Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Awara Paagal Deewana' (2002), which was the desi version of Hollywood flick 'The Whole Nine Yards'.

Ahmed Khan and Akshay Kumar

Says a source, "The project will be helmed by choreographer-director Ahmed Khan and feature Akshay in the lead."
The action comedy had been directed by Vikram Bhatt and featured Akshay, Suniel Shetty, Aftab Shivadasani, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, and starlets Aarti Chhabria, Amrita Arora and Preeti Jhangiani.

Apparently, Nadiadwala and Akki had a fall-out after collaborating on 'Hera Pheri' and its sequel 'Phir Hera Pheri', following which he opted out of the third instalment of the successful franchise. Last year in October, there were reports about Nadiadwala extending an olive branch to the star for the 'Awara Paagal Deewana 2', while stating that Shetty, Rawal and Lever would be retained from the original star cast.

"However, now, Akshay has agreed to be part of the film, which is currently in the pre-production stage. It will go on floors towards the latter part of the year since Akshay needs to wrap up his other commitments," adds the source. While Nadiadwala and Ahmed remained unavailable for comment, a well-placed source involved with the project confirms the news.