Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 may be in discussion, but director Anees Bazmee says the next installment of the franchise will only take shape if the team finds a story that can match the scale of its predecessors. Bazmee, who directed Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and 3, says that while he shares a great equation with Kartik Aaryan, the actor’s involvement alone isn’t enough to greenlight the film.

Anees says, “Making another Bhool Bhulaiyaa is difficult because we used almost all our cards in the third film. But Kartik and I have an excellent understanding. He’s an extremely hardworking actor. What matters is the story. If we find a fantastic story, we’ll definitely make the film. Seventy percent of a film’s success depends on the story.”

Bazmee is also looking forward to his next untitled comedy with Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar with whom he previously collaborated on the Welcome franchise. “Akshay and I made Welcome, which people still watch and enjoy today. There’s tremendous love and respect between us, and we’ve tried to make another really good comedy together,” he shares.

As he mentions Welcome, the subject of Welcome To The Jungle comes up, which he had been approached to direct. While he didn’t eventually helm the film, he says he holds no resentment towards the team. “Everyone associated with that film is my friend — Ahmed Khan, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and many others. So while watching it, I really enjoyed it. Whenever someone comes up with a strong story, audiences will continue to shower it with love,” he says.