Bollywood producer Firoz Nadiadwala, known for hits ranging from 1960s classics like ‘Taj Mahal’ (1963) and ‘Patthar Ke Sanam’ (1967) to the cult comedy ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000), has announced plans to launch a cinematic ‘Family Universe’. The idea is to bring together old favourites and new stories for a family audience.
Sequels and prequels for films like Aan: Men at Work’, ‘Awara Paagal Deewana’
In a chat with Mid-day, Nadiadwala said, “There are cop, horror, and spy universes, but after years of work, we have created a universe of all genres for the family audience. We will make sequels and prequels of ‘Aan: Men at Work’ [2004], ‘Awara Paagal Deewana’, ‘Deewane Huye Paagal’ [2005], and new editions of the ‘Welcome’ and ‘Hera Pheri’ franchise.”He added, “We’ll also have new movies. All the films will be clean and larger-than-life. That’s why I call it the ‘Family Universe’, which will have new and older actors joining in and crossover characters.”The producer explained that the aim is to continue the mix of comedy, romance, and thrills, while keeping the films entertaining for all ages. He also shared, “We were the first to make a feature film on the Mahabharat. Now I am making ‘Mahabharata – Right over Might’.”
Universe to bring back popular characters
The upcoming ‘Hera Pheri 3’ has also created plenty of buzz this year. In May, Paresh Rawal had announced he was stepping away from the project. Soon after, Akshay Kumar, who is also co-producing the film, filed a lawsuit related to the project. However, Rawal later confirmed his return.
Director emphasizes careful third film approach
Director Priyadarshan, who helmed the first film, recently spoke about the third part in a chat with Pinkvilla. He said, “I cannot tell if I am doing the third part, unless and until I can crack a film which has to do justice to the first instalment. The first part was born, but the third one shouldn’t let it die. If I am doing the film, I have to make sure that it is tolerable for people who watched the first part.”The veteran director further added, “Unless and until I crack the full film, I will never attempt part three. If a good script doesn’t turn out to my conviction, I will not do the film. I have climbed certain heights in my career from where I don’t want to fall badly.”Apart from ‘Hera Pheri 3’, a sequel to the ‘Welcome’ franchise, titled ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, is also in the works. The film will feature an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, and Disha Patani.
