Abhinav to direct an action thriller

Finally all the rumours and speculations over what Abhinav Kashyap will do after opting out of Dabangg 2 can come to a rest.

Kashyap, who directed the biggest hit in Dabangg last year has now turned a producer and will be making a hard-core action thriller for Viacom 18.

The production company will co-produce the film, along with Kashyap, and if rumours are to be believed then talks are on with none other than King Khan SRK.

A couple of days back, Kashyap has said that he had not signed the film with Viacom 18. This development has reportedly happened in the last 48 hours. Our source said, "It was Kashyap's friend Sunil Bohra who intervened and made things possible for Kashyap.

Bohra has been a close associated with the Studio 18 and has been involved in a couple of films with them. After Kashyap left Dabangg 2, he immediately a film with Viacom 18. He has already met SRK and expressed his desire to work with him.

SRK too told him that he would love to work with him on an action thriller that he has in mind. Kashyap has channelled all his energies into getting the script right and it will be ready by May.

Meanwhile Kashyap will be a partner on the film and will not be charging anything as director's fees. He will instead share the profits as well as the negative rights along with the production house."

In spite of repeated calls, Abhinav Kashyap and Vikram Malhotra of Viacom 18 remained unavailable for comments.

Dabangg director refuses Sallu, chooses SRK

Abhinav Kashyap said no to Salman Khan's Dabangg 2 because seemingly Shah Rukh Khan gave him a better offer. 

 After frequent admittance and denial, it was finally reported today that Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap won't be directing the sequel. The report claimed that Kashyap didn't want to direct the sequel which he expressed to producer-actor Arbaaz Khan. With Abhinav's ouster, Arbaaz has taken over the directorial reins and will be directing the sequel now.

However what is surprising is why did Abhinav Kashyap refuse to direct Dabangg 2 especially since it's a big project, more so after the immense success of the first part? The other side of the story seems to be untold. An industry insider claims, "Arbaaz was not willing to give Abhinav a good price as a director despite Dabangg being a huge hit. Kashyap expected a better remuneration. Other big banners were willing to offer him Rs 2-3 crores but he kept saying no to them because of his attachment to Dabangg . While he didn't expect that kind of money from Arbaaz, he surely expected something better than what he got for his debut film".

But there seems to be an even bigger reason for Abhinav Kashyap to leave Dabangg. "Apparently Salman Khan's archrival Shah Rukh Khan managed to bowl over Kashyap with a mind-boggling offer", claims the source. " SRK is desperate to make a masala film starring himself and wanted Kashyap to direct it for him". As per trade sources Shah Rukh lured Kashyap by offering him a hefty fee of Rs 2 crores.

But over the fact that money is good, Abhinav Kashyap seems more kicked about directing Shah Rukh Khan. "Also Shah Rukh was willing to offer complete creative freedom to Kashyap in terms of directing the film", adds the source. "It's a known fact that Salman Khan had things go his way during the making of Dabangg . Lines in the script were changed at the last minute. Also Abhinav did not sit for the editing".

Kashyap seems to have taken a Dabangg step of shifting loyalties from Shah Rukh to Salman. Let's see if he is able to recreate the same success with the other big Khan of Bollywood.

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.