Shekhar Kapur's Mr. India, starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, completed 32 iconic years on Wednesday. And it would not be wrong to say that even after 32 years of its release, the film is loved by the masses. Although the film's sequel was in the offing, after Sridevi's untimely demise in February last year, Anil and her producer-husband Boney Kapoor announced that they were not keen to take forward the sequel without the actress. However, it seems that the two have had a change of heart lately.
The speculations around Mr India 2 started doing the rounds recently after Anil and director Shekhar Kapur posted cryptic messages on social media, hinting at their upcoming collaboration. Interestingly, now Boney has confirmed that a reboot of Mr India is certainly on the cards. Speaking to a leading daily, he said, "The idea is to create a reboot first, and then, make a franchise of it. It needs to be made more contemporary. We have a basic structure in mind. We haven't decided on a timeline yet, but intend to make it soon."
He further said that after Sridevi's death he has even more reason to make the film and recalled how a film on a budget of Rs 4 crore was unheard of, back in the '80s. "We put up a large set near Versova beach. I was so happy with the costumes that I paid a bonus to the stylist. Amrish Puri as Mogambo was a masterstroke; he brought the character alive. While Sri was considered a glamorous star earlier, the audience's perception of her changed after Mr India — then on, she was seen as a powerful actress. Anil too became more legitimate a performer with the film. After Sri, I have even more reason to make the film now."
When prodded if Shekhar would be helming the sequel as well, he said, "If Shekhar is free, he can direct it. The cast and crew made the film what it was, and if anyone from the original line-up wants to be part of it, they can join us again." Incidentally, Shekhar had recently brushed off rumours of him directing Mr India 2, in an interview, by saying, "I was never going to direct the sequel and now with Sridevi gone, the question doesn’t arise.” Hence, what happens on that front, is still left to be seen.
(Source: Mid-Day)
