One of the biggest cinematic successes of last year is gearing up for a comeback with a second instalment and a formidable ensemble cast
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 12, 2019)

Junglee Pictures’ 2018 sleeper hit, Badhaai Ho, continued its winning streak with the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment honour at the recently-announced National Awards. The film was fronted by Ayushmann Khurrana and Sanya Malhotra, with Neena Gupta, Gajraj Rao and Surekha Sikri—the latter won the National Award for Best Supporting Actor (Female)—also in the forefront.

“Junglee Pictures has always believed in telling impactful stories in the most engaging manner. This recognition in the form of a National Award is truly gratifying. I am proud of the team for putting together such a delightful yet meaningful film,” producer Vineet Jain had told Mirror (August 10) on the win.

Now, we have learnt that the film is being spinned off into a franchise and the second instalment of the social comedy is already in the pipeline. Buzz is, it will be tentatively titled Badhaai Ho 2 and like the original, will be a wholesome entertainer with a substantial subject at its core and a formidable ensemble cast. “The script has been locked, and the makers are on the lookout to finalise on the cast,” informed a source close to the development.

In Badhaai Ho, Ayushmann’s character, Nakul, while spinning dreams around his future with his girlfriend Renee (Sanya), suddenly discovers to his horror that his 50-something mother is pregnant for the third time. The film did not only set the cash registers ringing but also received plenty of critical acclaim. “The second instalment will revolve around the shenanigans of a joint family and two young couples,” the source revealed, adding, “It will take off next year.”

Badhaai Ho was one of the most celebrated films of last year as it went on to receive commercial as well as critical acclaim, going on to win big at the Filmfare Awards held in March this year. While its second instalment is in the works, the film is also being remade in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.