Murder 2 is closer to our own production Sangharsh: Mahesh Bhatt

Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) Producers Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, who have hastened the process of working on 'Murder 3', say that "Murder 2" is not a copy of any foreign film.

"Murder" was apparently plagiarised from "Unfaithful" and now "Murder 2" is said to be ripped off from a Korean film "The Chaser", but Mukesh Bhatt baulks at the suggestion of plagiarism.

"People said 'Murder' was copied from 'Unfaithful' when it was more like B.R. Chopra's 'Gumrah'. As for 'Murder 2', I haven't even heard of the Korean film 'The Chaser'. If there are similarities, then they're purely coincidental," he said.

Added Mahesh Bhatt: "Saying 'Murder 2' is ripped off is an uncharitable remark. It's like saying 'Ghajini' was copied from 'Memento'. A situation can't be copyrighted. I'd say 'Murder 2' is closer to our own production 'Sangharsh'. A Hindi film is like a patched quilt."

All said and done 'Murder 3', which is now being written, will be absolutely original.

Director Mohit Suri has been told to leave all other ideas and work on the next "Murder 3", which will now be made sooner rather than later.

"Yes, we're already looking at "Murder 3". We hope to have it out by the Summer of 2012," said Mukesh Bhatt.

Shagufta Rafique, who wrote "Murder 2", has been put on the job of quickly coming up with a crackling script for "Murder 3" which will again star Emraan Hashmi. But the USP of the franchise is the eclipsed hottie waiting for a makeover. If "Murder" presented a made-over Mallika Sherawat and "Murder 2" sees a completely revamped Jacqueline Fernandez, "Murder 3" will also see an actress with a made-over image.

"At the moment I can't reveal the casting plans. But yes Mohit Suri will again direct the next 'Murder' film," said Mukesh Bhatt.

About it being made ahead of "Raaz 3", Vikram Bhatt, who's to direct "Raaz 3" for the Bhatts, said: "As far as I know we're going on the floors in January 2012. 'Raaz 3' will have Emraan and Jacqueline. It will also star another girl. But the role is still in development. As for 'Murder 3', it's a great franchise. But I'm sure 'Raaz 3' will also have a lot of takers."

The Bhatts are also making "Jannat 2" with Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri. It will be directed by Vishal Mahadkar, while Upendra Sidhaye has been roped in to script it.

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Murder 2

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