No.1 franchise takes off in August, followed by Goa schedule; actor will be joined by Sara Ali Khan
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 1, 2019)

Mirror was the first to report (August 29, 2018) that David Dhawan is reviving his No. 1 franchise with the official adaptation of his 1995 film, Coolie No.1, with son Varun and Sara Ali Khan stepping into the shoes of Govinda and Karisma Kapoor from the original. Now, we have learnt that the comic caper goes on the floors in August and will be shot in Bangkok. “David ji is on currently on a recce in the Thai capital city. The overseas stint will be followed by a schedule in Goa,” reveals a source close to the development.

David had earlier remade Judwaa which had Salman Khan in a double role, with Varun playing the pair of identical twins. While the 1996 film was set in India, Judwaa 2 travelled to London for a contemporary feel. “The idea this time too is the same as filming abroad gives the film a fresh vibe. The basic premise of a coolie caught between two girls remains the same but there are many new changes in the screenplay for it to appeal to today’s audience,” says the source.

Produced by Vashu Bhagnani and the Dhawans, the film will release on May 1, 2020. “The date is apt because May 1 is labour day and the story revolves around a coolie and his profession,” adds the source.

David’s No.1 series kicked off with Coolie No. 1, followed by Hero No. 1, Biwi No. 1, Jodi No. 1, and Shaadi No. 1. The films featured either Govinda, Salman Khan or Sanjay Dutt in lead. “The franchise will now be revamped with Varun taking charge. While the first one is a remake, the films that follow will be original scripts,” the source signs off.