Sohail to direct Partner 2?

After Arbaaz Khan taking charge of Dabangg sequel as a director, now Sohail Khan might direct the Partner sequel.

Recently Salman's brother Arbaaz Khan confirmed that he will be directing the sequel of Dabangg , one of Salman's biggest hits in recent times. And now, if sources in the trade circuit are to be believed, Salman's other brother Sohail Khan might be directing the sequel of another of his biggest hits in recent times – Partner .

Partner 2 has been in news for quite some time. Sanjay Dutt was said to be added to the cast. But if sources are to be believed, the scripts that David Dhawan had got in for the sequel did not interest Salman much. So probably Sohail Khan, who was the producer of the first part (like Arbaaz Khan was for Dabangg ) might take the directorial reins. It seems like Salman Khan is going out of his way to resurrect his brother's careers.

Before turning actor, Sohail Khan was a successful director and had made four films including Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Hello Brother, Auzaar and Maine Dil Tujhko Diya .

Arbaaz to direct Dabangg 2

Abhinav Kashyap is not directing Dabangg 2 and it will be Arbaaz Khan who will be helming it. This will be Arbaaz's debut as a director.

Abhinav, it turns out walked out around 10 days ago after differences with producer Arbaaz Khan turned into an all-out spat. At 9.30 one evening, Arbaaz received an SMS from Kashyap saying that he was not going to direct the sequel.

Following this, Arbaaz, who has been eyeing the director's cap for some time now, grabbed the opportunity and took over. He even flew to Bangkok to convince brother Sallu of the musical chairs that had ensued in his absence. Dabangg was Abhinav's debut film as a director.

Our source said, "It is strange considering that Dabangg was the biggest hit of 2010. Abhinav walked out of the film and Arbaaz decided to step in, not a surprise considering he's been harbouring directorial ambitions for some time now. So Abhinav walking out is a blessing in disguise. He is now confident that he will give Dabangg 2 a special zing.

Arbaaz was also unhappy that Abhinav sent him a message so abruptly at 9.30 pm one evening saying that he doesn't wish to direct the film. He didn't even come and tell him. Arbaaz felt that certain professionalism or decorum should have been maintained."

When contacted Arbaaz Khan said, "Yes, there have been issues and Abhinav is no longer directing the film. I don't want to get in to details of what happened between us, but this has happened over the last two weeks.

He didn't want to direct it, and, fair enough, it is his choice. We have to move on. I don't know his reasons but I am happy that he is no longer doing the film after what transpired. It was strange how he shot me an SMS and didn't even bother to meet me personally. I wish him all the very best. I just hope that whatever decision he has made is the right decision."

So who will be directing it? Will he take the plunge? Arbaaz said, "Yes, I am directing it and the process has begun. I was involved in every aspect of Dabangg as producer. We have started work on the script and in the next 2-3 months I will have the first draft ready as well. But I don't want to say anything more about the film and it subject."

When finally asked if he went to Bangkok to inform Salman about this blockbuster development, Arbaaz said, "No, that's not true. I had gone to Bangkok to do a cameo in the film." Let's hope it's not a cameo in the director's role too. Abhinav Kashyap, for his part, remained unavailable for comment.