Fans of Bhagam Bhag (2006) cheered hard when Shemaroo Entertainment and producer Sarita Ashwin Varde announced the sequel to the comedy, last month. Reports suggested that the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Paresh Rawal—would reprise their roles in the second instalment. But now, there is a plot twist. Govinda says he hasn’t even been offered the laugh riot. “Nobody has approached me for Bhagam Bhag 2, or sat down for a discussion. There are stories of me doing not just Bhagam Bhag 2, but many other sequels, including Partner,” says the actor, amused by the developments.  

Many filmmakers are jumping on the bandwagon of franchise films. The sequel to Priyadarshan’s Bhagam Bhag, which is expected to roll next year, comes 18 years after the original’s release. Quiz Govinda whether he would like to be a part of it, and he says his decision will depend on various factors. “I know sequels are popular today, but one should not go by beliefs, suggestions and popularity. If I do a project, I must discuss it in its entirety—from the remuneration to the script, my character and the director,” he points out.