Arbaaz Khan is happy to see Dabangg 3 in the safe hands of Prabhudheva

The third Dabangg film will be the second collaboration between Salman and Prabhudheva, who earlier worked together in action movie, Wanted.

After helming the second instalment of the action-packed Dabangg franchise, Arbaaz Khan has passed on the directorial reins of Dabanng 3 to choreographer and director Prabhudheva.

Arbaaz Khan will soon begin the shooting of his upcoming production, Dabangg 3 (Photo: Shivam Saxena/HT)

However, Arbaaz, who stays on as producer, says that the multi-talented director will bring his unique flavour — evident in the movies he has directed, such as Wanted (2007) and Rowdy Rathore (2012) — to both the franchise and the character of Chulbul Pandey, played by actor Salman Khan.

Talking about getting Prabhudheva on board, Arbaaz says, “He has been a film guy for the longest time. He understands the audience. There are a lot of suggestions that come from him. He is a confident director. He has watched both the films and is a fan. He understands the franchise too well by now.”

On why he decided not to helm the third film, he says, “Well I am very much part of the behind the camera team of the film. I am involved with every aspect of the project other than direction.”

Arbaaz, who was also part of the star cast in the first two films, says pre-production work on Dabanng 3 will soon begin, as the script has almost been finalised.

Revisiting a successful franchise for the third time has its own challenges. And Arbaaz says that everyone involved in the film is extremely conscious about the fan-following expects from the franchise.

“We are conscious of the brand, we are conscious of the character and his likeability. And it is important for us to do justice to it. We know we have to do the best. If this franchise has to go on, then we need to put our best foot forward,” he states.

There may be changes in the creative team but Arbaaz promises that the elements of entertainment, action, comedy and great music, which are synonymous to the franchise, would be carried forward in Dabangg 3.

“Every brand promises something. We have to maintain that. We have to keep the flavours intact. I can’t serve the audience something which they are not expecting. I have to give them a Dabangg-ish scenario. It may be presented differently but it will have the same essence. We know what the areas are and we are working on them,” he concludes.

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