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Last Updated: October 25, 2024, 04:20 IST
Anees Bazmee Reflects on Challenges Before Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 Release, Attributes It to Akshay Kumar’s Absence
With the highly anticipated release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 on November 1, director Anees Bazmee is candid about the challenges he faced prior to the release of its predecessor, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
The decision to cast Kartik Aaryan as the lead in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was met with mixed feelings from audiences. While some expressed disappointment over Akshay Kumar’s absence in this horror-comedy installment, Aaryan’s supporters celebrated the casting choice, demonstrating how passionate fans can be about the continuity of a franchise. The rationale behind the casting decision has not been publicly clarified.
In a recent conversation with News18 Showsha, Bazmee explained that Akshay Kumar was unable to participate in the sequel. He stated, “For some reason, Akshay ji couldn’t do the sequel. The producers or I didn’t want to press him into a situation he wasn’t comfortable with. He’s a remarkable actor, and it’s clear he would have excelled in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.”
The director reminisced about the mixed initial reception of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, noting that while its promotional materials, particularly the teaser, generated excitement, there was an underlying skepticism about the film’s success. “When Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was about to hit theaters, there was considerable anxiety. Though the teaser received love, many believed the film might not resonate. Even after the trailer was revealed, people complimented it but expressed doubts about the film’s potential,” he reflected.
Anees Bazmee identified a significant source of this skepticism: the absence of Akshay Kumar. He remarked, “Akshay ji’s exceptional performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa made the idea of proceeding without him challenging. Nevertheless, we poured a lot of passion and commitment into Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 with the resources we had. Ultimately, the audience embraced Kartik just as they had Akshay ji.”
Looking ahead, Bazmee is open to the idea of Akshay Kumar making a cameo in this beloved franchise. He stated, “I know I can reach out to him anytime without hesitation. Our bond is one of deep affection. I feel I have the right to approach him, and if a character aligns with him, I’m confident he would consider it.”
The two have a history of successful collaborations, having worked together on notable comedies like Welcome and Singh Is Kinng, which has solidified their friendship over time. “Akshay ji is a wonderful person. We met recently, and it’s evident that he takes genuine joy in my successes. Though he may decline roles, the thought of working with him is appealing to almost everyone,” Bazmee commented.
He went on to praise Kumar’s professionalism, noting, “He is incredibly diligent, punctual, and has a good-natured demeanor. Working with him is a breeze due to his numerous positive traits. My relationship with him remains unchanged; whenever we connect, it feels the same as ever. I look forward to collaborating with him again—he’s someone truly special to me.”
Source
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