Filmmaker Satish Kaushik has launched a sequel to 2002's biggest hit
"Hera Pheri", a black comedy. Titled "Phir Hera Pheri", the film stars
Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal from the original film,
and three actresses - former Miss Universe Lara Dutta and models Neha
Dhupia and Gauhar Khan have been roped for the romantic lead.
This is the trio-Kumar, Shetty and Rawal's fourth film together after
"Mohra", "Aawara Paagal Deewana" and "Hera Pheri". "Phir Hera Pheri"
is the story of a landlord and his two tenants who get entangled in
the murder of an underworld don.
Kaushik, who has directed films like last year's hit "Tere Naam" (On
your name), and teeny-booper romantic "Mujhe Kucch Kehana Hai" (I want
to say something), said he would try to do justice to the original story
idea. "It is definitely a very difficult task. To make the sequel of
the film which has been so succesful, it is a very challenging task.
Though in Hollywood it is common, in India, it is for the first time
that a sequel is being directed by another filmmaker. But I am very
hopeful of my success because the characters in this film are like comic
strip characters, whether it is Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty or Paresh
Rawal. I think these are very good characters," said Kaushik.
Though "Hera Pheri" was directed by filmmaker Priyadarshan, Kaushik
was roped in for the sequel for his flare for comedies. "Hera Pheri",
a laugh-riot ruled the box office for over 50 weeks and won many awards
for its funny depiction of the relationship between a landlord and his
warring tenants and the case of a wrong number.
Lead actor Suniel Shetty hoped the sequel would be better than the
original film. "You can't compare one film to the other. A sequel would
be better or wont't be as good but the attempt is there. We want to
make a good film," said Shetty.
The film, produced by Feroze Nadiadwala, will go on floors by August
and will be shot at various locations in South Africa, New Zealand and
Australia. "Phir Hera Pheri" is probably the second Hindi sequel, the
first being "Return of Jewel Thief", sequel of all-time classic "Jewel
Thief". .
