Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has been forced to exit the upcoming film “Son of Sardaar 2” after his UK visa application was reportedly rejected due to his arrest in 1993, according to a recent report. The sequel to the 2012 hit comedy film was set to reunite Dutt with co-star Ajay Devgn, but the actor’s visa troubles have now derailed those plans.
Sanjay Dutt’s Visa Woes
Sanjay Dutt, known for his roles in films like “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” and “Agneepath”, was slated to reprise his popular character of Balwinder Singh Sandhu aka Billu in “Son of Sardaar 2”. However, the actor’s past legal troubles have come back to haunt him, as his UK visa application was rejected due to his arrest in 1993 in connection with the Mumbai serial blasts case.
Dutt, who was convicted under the Arms Act in the case, served a jail term before being released in 2016. Despite having a successful Bollywood career, the actor’s criminal record has continued to pose challenges when it comes to international travel.
Ravi Kishan Steps In
With Sanjay Dutt’s exit from the project, the makers of “Son of Sardaar 2” have reportedly roped in actor Ravi Kishan to replace him in the film. Kishan, known for his work in films like “Tanu Weds Manu” and “Ghayal Once Again”, will now be seen opposite Ajay Devgn in the sequel.
The decision to replace Dutt with Kishan was likely a pragmatic one, as the film’s producers could not afford to delay the shoot any further due to the actor’s visa issues. With the UK schedule already planned and a significant portion of the film to be shot in Scotland, the makers had to act quickly to find a suitable replacement.
Ajay Devgn Continues with the Project
Despite the setback of losing his co-star, Ajay Devgn remains committed to the “Son of Sardaar 2” project. The actor, who not only stars in the film but also serves as a producer, has been working diligently on the sequel.
Devgn, who played the lead role of Jassi in the first film, will reprise his character in the sequel. The actor is currently neck-deep in the shoot of “Singham Again”, where he shares the screen with a star-studded cast including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff.
Once he wraps up “Singham Again”, Devgn is expected to shift his focus to “Son of Sardaar 2” and the upcoming schedule in Scotland. The actor’s dedication to the project and his ability to adapt to the changing circumstances will be crucial in ensuring the film’s success.
Fresh Storyline and New Leading Lady
The makers of “Son of Sardaar 2” have promised a fresh storyline for the sequel, with Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt’s characters set to have a different dynamic. However, with Dutt’s exit and Ravi Kishan’s entry, it remains to be seen how the script will be adapted to accommodate the change.
One positive development for the film is the addition of Mrunal Thakur as the new leading lady. Thakur, known for her work in films like “Super 30” and “Toofaan”, will be stepping into the shoes of Sonakshi Sinha, who played the female lead in the first “Son of Sardaar” film.
The introduction of Thakur’s character and her romantic tracks with Ajay Devgn’s Jassi will be an exciting aspect of the sequel, as the film aims to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise.
Challenges Ahead
The loss of Sanjay Dutt is undoubtedly a setback for “Son of Sardaar 2”, as the actor’s presence would have added star power and familiarity for the audience. However, the makers will need to overcome this challenge and focus on delivering a compelling film that can stand on its own merits.
The decision to shoot extensively in Scotland, with its picturesque locations and historic landmarks like Culross Palace and Doune Castle, is a bold one. The film’s success will depend on how well the producers can leverage these locations to create a visually stunning and engaging narrative.
Additionally, the makers will need to ensure that the replacement of Sanjay Dutt with Ravi Kishan is seamless and does not disrupt the overall flow of the film. Kishan’s acting chops and ability to fit into the existing dynamic will be crucial in making this transition work.
Who might replace Sanjay Dutt in Son of Sardaar 2
Ravi Kishan is set to replace Sanjay Dutt in Son of Sardaar 2 after Dutt’s UK visa application was rejected due to his past legal issues stemming from the 1993 Mumbai bombings. This change comes as the film is currently in production, primarily being shot in Scotland.
The sequel to the 2012 film Son of Sardaar features a large ensemble cast, including Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur, Vijay Raaz, Chunkey Pandey, Neeru Bajwa, Deepak Dobriyal, Kubbra Sait, Vindu Dara Singh, Mukul Dev, Sharat Saxena, Roshni Walia, and Ashwini Kalsekar, alongside Kishan. The film aims to deliver a family-friendly comedic experience, with humor stemming from the quirky dynamics between its characters.
As the production team adapts to this significant casting change, fans are eager to see how Kishan will bring his unique flair to the role originally intended for Dutt. The film is expected to hit theaters in the second half of 2025.
Conclusion
Despite the setbacks and challenges, “Son of Sardaar 2” remains a highly anticipated project for Bollywood fans. The reunion of Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt was a major draw for the sequel, but the film’s producers have shown resilience in adapting to the changing circumstances.
The introduction of Mrunal Thakur and the decision to shoot in Scotland add fresh elements to the franchise, and the makers will be hoping that these factors, combined with Ajay Devgn’s star power and the film’s comedic roots, will help it succeed at the box office.
As the film gears up for its UK shoot, all eyes will be on how the makers navigate the challenges ahead and deliver a worthy successor to the original “Son of Sardaar”. With the right mix of talent, vision, and adaptability, the sequel has the potential to become a hit and cement its place in the annals of Bollywood comedy.
