16:44
Khyati
Many filmmakers have envisaged for their films an on-screen pairing of John Abraham and Vidya Balan. Sanjay Gupta, who was eager to cash in on the chemistry between John and Vidya for Shootout At Wadala, had to eventually squash his casting plans. But it seems that Vipul Shah has managed to accomplish what other filmmakers couldn't, since Nikhil Advani's Salaam-E-Ishq, in 2007. A source informed Mumbai Mirror that John and Vidya have been roped in for Vipul's sequel to Force.
Since Force has received a positive reception so far, the filmmaker has reportedly been keen to start work on Force 2 immediately. The source told us, "Vipul wanted the film to be bigger than Force and so, he has finalised Vidya Balan to play the lead role. He has also decided to retain the original film's director Nishikant Kamath for the sequel. Nishikant already had an idea, which he developed during the making of Force. Since the original film has been the biggest opening of any John Abraham starrer, the filmmakers have decided to title it Force 2."
Salaam-E-Ishq was the the first and only time that John and Vidya shared screen-space. Their on-screen chemistry triggered rumours that the two shared more than a professional rapport. "In fact, John's then girlfriend, Bipasha, had raised an objection to them working together," added the source.
When contacted, Vipul said, "Yes, we are extremely happy with the success of Force at the box office. I am keen to start the sequel with John immediately. The story is a completely new adventure, with a new villain, who John will have to go head-to-head with."
When asked if Vipul has in fact roped in Vidya Balan to play the female lead alongside John, the producer simply replied, "We are still in the process of getting the final draft of the film. The casting is under process. Yes, we have met a couple of people, but it is too early to name any actors as no one, except John, is on-board yet."
