Film producer Ekta Kapoor has reportedly filed a legal case against filmmaker Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for directing the Dream Girl franchise, alleging that he violated a three-film agreement with her production company, Balaji Motion Pictures.
The legal dispute has reportedly stalled the production of the upcoming comedy sequel Bhagam Bhag 2, which was set to star Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal.
Bhagam Bhag 2 shoot halted
According to reports, the sequel to the 2006 comedy thriller Bhagam Bhag, originally directed by Priyadarshan, was scheduled to begin filming on March 2 with a 25-day schedule in Lucknow.
The film planned to bring back Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal in their original roles. Actor Manoj Bajpayee was reportedly set to join the sequel in a role similar to the one previously played by Govinda in the first film.
Actresses Meenakshi Chaudhary and Ayesha Khan were also expected to feature as the female leads in the sequel.
However, the filming schedule has now been paused as the legal matter between Kapoor and Shaandilyaa continues.
The three-film contract dispute
Reports indicate that Shaandilyaa had signed a three-film agreement with Ekta Kapoor’s production house before working on Dream Girl 2.
The director made his debut with Kapoor’s production Dream Girl, starring Ayushmann Khurrana. The collaboration continued with Dream Girl 2, which featured Khurrana alongside Ananya Panday and crossed the ₹100 crore mark at the domestic box office.
They later teamed up again for Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri. However, the film reportedly underperformed compared to their earlier collaboration.
The dispute reportedly arose after Shaandilyaa decided to begin work on a new project outside Balaji Motion Pictures before completing the third film required under the agreement.
Producers may face legal complications
Unconfirmed reports also suggest that the lawsuit may involve the producers of Bhagam Bhag 2, including Ashwin Warde and Akshay Kumar’s production company Cape of Good Films.
While neither side has officially confirmed the details, sources indicate that the makers are attempting to resolve the matter amicably. If a new director is brought in, the production schedule could be pushed back significantly due to actors’ prior commitments.
Akshay Kumar and Ekta Kapoor’s other collaboration
Interestingly, Ekta Kapoor and Akshay Kumar are also collaborating on another film — Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan.
The horror comedy is scheduled to release in theatres on April 10 and marks another reunion between Akshay and Priyadarshan after their 2010 film Khatta Meetha.
Not the first sequel facing legal hurdles
This is not the first time an Akshay Kumar sequel has run into legal complications. The highly anticipated Hera Pheri 3 has also faced delays due to a dispute over franchise rights.
Producer GP Vijayakumar reportedly approached the Madras High Court claiming ownership rights linked to the original Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking, on which the first Hera Pheri movie was based.
Because of the ongoing legal uncertainties, the future of several planned sequels involving Akshay Kumar remains uncertain for now.
