'Heropanti' actor Ranjha Vikram Singh to feature alongside boxing legend in the next instalment of 'Kickboxer' franchise
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 19, 2017)

Former world champion boxer Mike Tyson joined 'Kickboxer: Retaliation', an instalment of the popular Kickboxer film series, last year. As the movie readies for release, the next part of the franchise, tentatively titled Kickboxer: Armageddon, has also been announced. Hitlist has learnt that the movie will star Indian actor Ranjha Vikram Singh (last seen in Sabbir Khan's 2014 film, Heropanti).

A source informs us that Vikram travelled to Los Angeles a few days before Christmas to meet the cast and crew. "He met producer Rob Hickman for the third part of the Kickboxer series. The shoot for it begins by the end of this year. The third part will also feature Thai martial artiste Tony Jaa," says a source.

The source adds that Vikram fitted for the role, as the story calls for a South Asian actor. "The writers want to take the story to a refreshing setup. They are considering either UAE or a South Asian country. Vikram was an easy choice since he is a trained boxer," the source says.

When Vikram met Tyson, he got emotional. "Most martial artistes look up to him as an idol," says the source.

When contacted, Vikram confirmed the news. "I've been approached by the makers of Kickboxer: Retaliation. The talks are on. Rob has liked my work in Punjabi and South films."