Is angry Arshad Warsi taking on Akshay Kumar?

Lead actor of the previous film, Arshad Warsi, who was nixed from 'Jolly LLB 2', will release film with 'Ishqiya' co-star Naseeruddin Shah on the same day as the 'Jolly LLB' sequel

Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar

Looks like Arshad Warsi is not yet over losing 'Jolly LLB 2' to superstar Akshay Kumar. In what seems to be a counterstroke, the actor will arrive in theatres on the same day as Akki - February 10 - with his new film 'Irada', which reunites him with 'Ishqiya' and 'Dedh Ishqiya' co-star, Naseeruddin Shah.

Also read: Arshad Warsi lauds Akshay Kumar's performance in 'Jolly LLB 2' trailer

Directed by debutante Aparna Singh, 'Irada' deals with social causes. It has been shot in Chandigarh. Says producer Falguni Sheth, "Our film is ready and we are looking at an early release. We were eyeing a window next month and February 10 appears ideal."

Since 'Raees' and 'Kaabil' will battle it out in the Republic Day weekend and are expected to have a good run for a fortnight or so, 'Irada' makers feel it won't be a sound business proposition to release the film in the first week of February.

Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi in a still from Ishqiya

Later that month would also not be wise as Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Rangoon' with a star-studded cast (Kangana Ranaut, Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor) hits the marquee.

When 'Jolly LLB 2' was announced last year, Arshad had reportedly said, "I was supposed to do it, but the studio needed a bigger star. If you have a bigger star, then even if the film is not that good, you still manage to recover the money, so the risk factor from the producer's point of view is less. It bothers me a bit, but not that much. I was the one who convinced Subhash (Kapoor, director) to go ahead and do it [cast Akshay] since he was not willing to."

Also read - Subhash Kapoor: Heroes will keep changing if 'Jolly LLB' becomes a franchise

Commenting on stepping into Jolly's shoes, Akshay had said, "It is the producer's call. I did 'Welcome' (2007), but not 'Welcome Back' (2015); I did not feel bad. It was my franchise, so should I feel bad?"

Ask Falguni about the clash between ex-Jolly and new 'Jolly', and she says, "That will be interesting, but we are weighing all options, not that too many are available."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!