'BLUE' SEQUEL TO START SOON

Original cast set to return.

Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision spent Rs 80 crore plus on “Blue”. Now the producers are getting set to shell out even more money for the film’s sequel, which could be starting sometime soon.

The cast of “Blue” – Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Zayed Khan and Lara Dutta - will be repeated in the new film, with most likely the addition of another hero.

While “Blue” was shot in Bahamas, “Blue 2” will head to Australia, known for its stunning beaches and marine life.

It’s also being reported that “Blue” director Anthony D'Souza is planning another film too, an on high drama cautiously titled “Aerial”.

The director has confirmed that his good friends John Abraham and Sonal Chauhan have already being signed for the project. It will be a three-hero film, and we’ve heard Akshay Kumar is also likely to be on board.

WHAT IS SANJAY DUTT DOING IN ALADIN?

Sanjay Dutt didn't require much believable or cajoling to come on board for Aladin.

The moment he heard the film's concept, genre and they way it was imagined to be brought on screen, he agreed to do the film pronto. He was annoyed about the film going on floors. His character is like that of evil magician Jafar in the Disney version of Aladin.

Says a source associated to the film, "Sanju baba actually became quite childlike when he was narrated the concept of Aladin. He hasn't worked in a film belonging to this genre before, the kind that involves fairytale elements embellished in a narrative that is set in today's times. The legend of Aladin and Genie is known global and Sanju baba didn't require much thinking to be a part of the project. As a fun loving villain, who was capable of showing the mean side of his at any given moment, the character was tailor-made for him and he connected to that instantly when the part was explained to him."

By the way, it was Amitabh Bachchan himself who first had a word with Sanjay Dutt about his role of Ringmaster in Aladin.

Confirms Sujoy Ghosh, "Yes, after I had an elaborate narration of Aladin with Mr. Bachchan, we were discussing who could play the role of Ringmaster. We agreed that it had to be Dutt saab and I was supposed to contact him the next day. Though, to my surprise, before I could speak to Dutt saab, Mr. Bachchan had already spoken to him. When I met him, he mockingly pulled me for not speaking to him directly. I explained that I had all the right intentions to do so but didn't have any clue that Mr. Bachchan would himself take the first step."

Kicked about the entire idea, "I still remember it was year 2006," Sujoy gets nostalgic here, "Dutt saab was so excited about donning the hat of Ringmaster. Pun anticipated."

Sanjay Dutt had a condition though before saying yes. "Yes, he didn't want anyone to fiddle around with his look," laughs Sujoy, "His only condition was that he wanted the moustache of Ringmaster to be kept intact. Of course, we had no reason not to agree."

Aladin releases on October 30.

KATRINA'S NEW LOOK IN BLUE

Everyone who’s seen Katrina in the promo of Blue has been amiably amazed by her ‘biker chick’ look.

The pretty actress who always been portrayed as a girl next door, is for the first time sporting a gothic grime look with a stud pierced below her lip, dreadlocks and tattoos all over her arms. Kat’s look has been designed to complement Zayed’s character in the film – that of a daredevil biker.

Says a source form the production team, “Kat was very excited about her new look as it’s a huge contrast from her earlier roles. She gave a lot of inputs and worked closely with the designers on minute details.” But one thing that gave nightmares to Kat is her hairdo! The dreadlocks that she sports cause a lot of damage to one’s hair and Kat was very particular about that. “She’d immediately go for a hair wash once the shoot would be over,” says a source from the team.

Rocky S, who gave her the confidence to pull off the look so stunningly, is sure it will be a hit with auds.

We sure can’t wait to see Katrina in this new, rugged avatar, can we?!