Cinema VinesThe long‑awaited sequel to the 2006 comedy hit Malamaal Weekly has taken a sharp turn behind the scenes. Director Priyadarshan, who helmed the original film, has officially stepped away from the project, confirming to Variety India that he will not return to direct the new installment. In a candid statement, he added, “I am not doing it. I have decided not to do any sequel.”
Alongside Priyadarshan’s exit, star Riteish Deshmukh is also reportedly no longer part of the sequel, leaving the franchise without two of its key figures. The production team has therefore turned to filmmaker Amit Joshi, known for co‑directing Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, to take the director’s chair for Malamaal Weekly 2.
Joshi’s involvement marks a fresh creative direction for the series. While the original movie starred Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Shakti Kapoor, Asrani and others, the sequel is set to feature a new cast. A source close to the project revealed that the casting has been finalized and will be announced soon, though no specific names have been disclosed yet.
Despite the changes in personnel, the makers intend to preserve the core elements that made the first film a hit. The storyline will still revolve around a small‑town community, financial temptations, and comedic misunderstandings, echoing the original plot where villagers scramble to claim a lottery ticket left by a deceased man.
Malamaal Weekly, released in 2006, followed a group of villagers who discover a lottery ticket and the ensuing chaos as they try to secure the prize. The sequel promises to bring that same blend of humor and chaos to a new generation of viewers, albeit with a different team behind the camera and a fresh ensemble on screen.
