'Malamaal Weekly 2' to move ahead without Priyadarshan and Riteish Deshmukh

The proposed sequel to the 2006 comedy 'Malamaal Weekly' will have to move forward without two prominent members of its original team. Director Priyadarshan and lead actor Riteish Deshmukh are reportedly no longer associated with the project, which was announced earlier this year.

Priyadarshan has now confirmed his decision to stay away from the film.

Priyadarshan confirms he will not direct 'Malamaal Weekly 2'

Priyadarshan has made it clear that he will not be involved in the proposed sequel. Speaking to Variety India, the filmmaker said, “I am not doing it. I have decided not to do any sequel.”The director's statement rules out his return to the franchise that he originally created.

Riteish Deshmukh also exits the proposed sequel

Riteish Deshmukh, who played one of the central characters in the original comedy, is also no longer part of the proposed follow-up.

His exit, alongside Priyadarshan's decision, marks a significant change to the team behind the 2006 film.The original movie featured several established actors in important roles. However, the sequel's cast and creative team have not been detailed in the information currently available. It remains to be seen who will lead the project and whether any other members of the original ensemble will return.

A look back at the 2006 comedy

Released in 2006, 'Malamaal Weekly' was written and directed by Priyadarshan.

The film featured Paresh Rawal as Lilaram, also known as Leela, and Om Puri as Balwant Singh Ballu. Om Puri also played the character of the fake Joseph Anthony Fernandes.Riteish Deshmukh portrayed Kanhaiya, while Arbaaz Khan appeared as Jayesh Agarwal, a lottery inspector. Rajpal Yadav played Bajey Singh Bajbahadur, and Asrani was seen as Chokheylal, Kanhaiya's father. Shakti Kapoor also featured in the film as Joseph.'Malamaal Weekly' drew inspiration from the 1998 comedy 'Waking Ned'. The story subsequently reached audiences in several Indian languages through regional adaptations such as 'Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw', 'Aamayum Muyalum', and 'Dakota Picture'.With Priyadarshan and Riteish Deshmukh out of the picture, the proposed sequel faces a changed starting point. For now, the sequel's next steps remain uncertain as the popular comedy franchise prepares for a possible new chapter without two of its original key members.