Sanjay, Arshad out of 'Munnabhai' series?

Munnabhai and Circuit are ready to get a makeover. In fact, they might change completely in the third part in the series. 

As things stand today, Sanjay Dutt (who turns 52 today) and Arshad Warsi might not return with the next Munnabhai film, revealed a source close to the film. In fact, it seems, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra wants a complete makeover for his superhit franchise. This despite the stars being the main reason behind the film being successful.

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. 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 Hirani said, "Hirani has finished writing his super 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 in the superhit franchise. Mumbai Mirror, on July 11, reported that the Do Dooni Chaar director Habib Faisal might step into Hirani's shoes. And now, we hear that the producer has approached Kites director Anurag Basu for the same.

"However, Basu's inclusion is a bit unlikely as he is very busy with Barfee for UTV. Hence, Faisal is the most likely selection. Vidhu has a fabulous equation with Faisal as well, which might work to Faisal'as advantage," added our source.

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," says the source.

Last time when we had asked him, Hirani had shot back saying, "I am writing it and will direct it as and when the script is ready." 17 days later, the scenario has changed. This time, he did not revert back. Vidhu Vinod Chopra also remained unavailable for comment.