Dabangg to have prequel or sequel?

Salman Khan is in a fix, not sure whether Bollywood super hit Dabangg to have a sequel or prequel, says script ready for both but debating over which one to proceed with first.

Mr and Mrs Chulbul Pandey were expected return in Robinhood Pandey. But now Salman Khan says that his brother, producer Arbaaz Khan, and he are unsure about whether the movie should be a prequel or sequel.

“We have two scripts, we are debating over which one to proceed with first. We’re keen on both. Dabangg brought people back to ‘entertainment-oriented’ cinema,” says the actor.

Director Abhinav Kashyap confirms that they do have two scripts on hand but refuses to divulge details. “It’s too early to talk about a film that is likely to go on the floors only next year. Wait and watch, you will soon know if it’s about Chulbul junior or senior,” he says.

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He was at a film festival at Norway last month where Dabangg was screened to a packed house. Later, a huge crowd gathered outside the hotel Salman was put up at to catch a glimpse of him. “I don’t remember the last Bollywood film that was screened in Norway or the last actor who visited the country. The overwhelming response there is a good enough reason to bring Chulbul and Rajjo back,” says Salman.

For the moment though, he is focussed on his reality show, Bigg Boss 4, that flags off tomorrow. Ask him whom he’d want to imprison in the house and he retorts, “My friends, Govinda, Sanju (Sanjay Dutt), Sunny (Deol), Jaggu (Jackie Shroff) and Aamir (Khan). And if they’re in, I’m in too. The only condition is that they will have to eliminate us at the same time because otherwise we will cry. Aur mard roya nahi karte (macho men don’t cry).”

Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati and Akshay Kumar’s MasterChef are also lining up to open within days of his show. How does he view the competition? “We space out our movies because ticket prices are steep and they don’t want to see stars coming together. But on TV, you can watch us for free and can enjoy all the shows simultaneously,” he argues. “So where’s the competition?”