Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi out of ‘Munnabhai’ series

Munna bhai and Circuit are ready to get a makeover. In fact, they might change completely in the third part in the series.
According to sources, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi might not return with the next “Munnabhai” film. In fact, it seems, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra wants a complete makeover for his super-hit franchise.
Explaining the filmmaker’s change of heart, the source added, “Sanjay and Arshad looked very different in 2006. By the time the third part is ready, it could be another two years and they might be completely incongruous. Keeping this in mind, a fresh and young cast is being considered for the two male leads.”
The source further revealed that it’s not just the cast that’s being discussed. Rajkumar Hirani might not hold the directorial reins either. A source close to director said, “Hirani has finished writing his script which he refers to as his dream project. Naturally, it will be with a big hero. He is fast working out the cast.”
However, the director might co-produce the same. According to the source, “Rajkumar Hirani is very close to the “Munnabhai” series. Even if he doesn’t direct the third, he will be attached to the project in some way. He might co-produce it with a completely new director.”
So producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra is now fast looking for a new director to shoulder the responsibility of the third film of his franchise.
The third film in the “Munnabhai” series was supposed to be “Munnabhai Chale Amerika”. In 2006, an excited Arshad Warsi aka Circuit had confirmed to section of the media, saying, “Munnabhai Chale Amerika will go on floors next year and we’ll start shooting then.” A few trailers had also been shot for the project with Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi.
“The Munnabhai Chale Amerika script has been dropped. Something different has been envisaged for the third part. The script will be ready soon. An official announcement will be made soon in this regard,” the source told.