Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 24, 2018)

Sixteen years after Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s 2002 heistthriller, Aankhen, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal and Sushmita Sen, a sequel is in the works. One was announced by Gaurang Doshi in 2016 but there’s been no news on that since. Meanwhile, Mirror has learnt that Anees Bazmee is directing one with the 75-year-old veteran as the lead which will be produced by Eros International and Tarun Agarwal.

“Amit ji liked the script and has given his nod to the project. Anees has begun prep and will start shooting in 2019. The team is targeting an early 2020 release,” a source close to the development informed. The official spokesperson from the production house confirmed the news.

Aankhen revolved around the Big B’s Vijay Singh Rajput, a hard-working but temperamental man, who spends his life working in a bank till in a fit of rage, he beats up a colleague and is fired. He decides to take revenge by organising a heist on the same bank by three blind men, played by Akshay, Arjun and Paresh.

According to the source, Sushant Singh Rajput and Vicky Kaushal are in the running for the other lead part. “And since the story revolves around a casino this time owned by a Chinese, the makers are considering Jackie Chan for the part,” adds the source. The Hollywood star was in India in 2016 to shoot for his adventure-comedy Kung Fu Yoga, which also featured Sonu Sood, Disha Patani and Amyra Dastur.