Athens, Greece – February 2 (ANI): Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has officially begun the pre-production process for the much-awaited sequel to the 2005 hit comedy No Entry. On Sunday, Bazmee shared a series of photos from his location scouting trip in Greece, where he was joined by producer Boney Kapoor and Director of Photography (DOP) Manu Anand. Bazmee posted a picture on Instagram of the trio at a stunning backdrop, captioning it, "Plotting new adventures in Greece with producer Boney Kapoor ji and DOP Manu Anand ji! Prepping for the madness that's #NoEntry2."
While specific plot details and the full cast are still under wraps, reports suggest No Entry 2 may feature Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, and Diljit Dosanjh in prominent roles. The original No Entry, which Bazmee also directed, was a major success when it was released, starring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan. The film focused on three married men who attempted to hide their extramarital affairs from their wives.
Bazmee, who recently celebrated his incredible 45-year career in Indian cinema, saw his latest project, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, become a blockbuster hit. His career milestone was marked by a star-studded celebration last December, attended by icons like Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Kartik Aaryan, and Jackie Shroff.
The much-anticipated sequel to the comedy classic No Entry is finally gaining momentum. Bazmee has begun preparations for No Entry 2, which will feature Dhawan, Dosanjh, and Kapoor as lead roles. The filmmaker shared glimpses from Greece, highlighting his work with Boney Kapoor and cinematographer Manu Anand.
Fans flooded the comments section of Bazmee's post with excitement, though some expressed disappointment over Salman Khan’s absence, with one user stating, "Without Salman Khan, No Entry is incomplete." This reflects the strong attachment many viewers have to the original cast.
Producer Boney Kapoor addressed inquiries about the casting changes during discussions with outlets like News18. "I waited for a long time, but everyone had their own commitments and reasons, which I fully respect. So, we’ve reimagined the film with a fresh ensemble," he explained.
Despite the changes, Kapoor remains confident about No Entry 2. "The script has immense potential. People who have heard the concept believe it’s even bigger and funnier than the first. It retains all the elements of the original but brings fresh twists and turns," he added.
Filming is reportedly set to commence in June or July 2025, aiming for a grand Diwali release on October 26, 2025. Kapoor emphasized the importance of the production timeline, noting, "Given the extensive post-production work required, the team is determined to stay on track to deliver something entertaining."
Industry insiders hint at some tension between Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor due to the casting shake-up. Anil is reported to have been upset with the decision, and Boney acknowledged these personal dynamics: "Before I could tell my brother Anil about the No Entry sequel, he got angry because the news had already leaked. I know he wanted to be part of the sequel, but there was no space left for him."
The new lineup of actors and revamp of character dynamics positions No Entry 2 to be among the most anticipated comedies of the time. Fans eagerly await to see how this fresh take on the franchise will play out, as Bazmee appears focused on delivering laughter and entertainment akin to the original.
Feeling confident about the direction and freshness of No Entry 2, Kapoor mentioned, "The original stars won't feature this time. That chapter is over. Varun and Arjun are great friends, and their chemistry could create something fresh for audiences today. Diljit has also made significant popularity strides. I aimed to make the film relevant to today’s audience through our casting choices."
With high hopes for achieving success akin to its predecessor, enthusiasm is certainly building around No Entry 2, which is set to combine the humor and charm of the original with new and exciting cinematic adventures. Fans are very much ready to witness what Anees Bazmee has crafted for the screen this time.