Makers of the animated version and the sequel of 'Andaz Apna Apna' seem determined to draw the actors in their personal battle

Remember the two squabbling friends Amar and Prem in the cult film Andaz Apna Apna?

Well, looks like their tu tu mein mein has extended beyond the reel. Only this time it's not lead stars Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, but two filmmakers are at loggerheads!

While the original director Raj Kumar Santoshi wants a sequel to the film to take precedence, another producer Siddharth Jain is determined the animated version of the same now titled Andaz Naya Naya hits screens next year as scheduled.

"We're doing the first of our proposed animation films in the Andaz Naya Naya series in 3D and stereophonic sound. We're targeting it at the kids, as once they come in the adults are bound to follow, " confirms Jain.

Awaiting right plot

And herein lies the problem. Santoshi is planning to bring the Salman-Aamir jodi back as Amar-Prem.

Says a source, "Only the right plot is awaited. Otherwise, Santoshi has got both Salman and Aamir keenly interested in the sequel. So, the last thing he needs right now is an animation film based on the 1994 film."

However, Jain is extremely kicked about his own project, and is in fact negotiating hard to get both Aamir and Salman to participate.

"I'm a huge fan of the film Andaz Apna Apna. I waited long to revive the characters of not just Amar and Prem, but also the characters played by Raveena, Karisma, Paresh Rawal, Mehmood, Jagdeep and Viju Khote. I will show my film to Santoshi, Aamir and Salman and try to get them on board."

Incidentally, Jain has cleverly kept his options open. The animation characters resemble the original actors only up to the point where legal hurdles can be avoided.

Add to that, the plot of Andaz Naya Naya is completely different from Andaz Apna Apna. "I want to build the Andaz Naya Naya brand into an ongoing franchise like The Simpsons in the US.

Amar and Prem should become popular for the concept, characters and plot, not because of the stars who played them in Raj Kumar Santoshi's comedy."

Whether Santoshi will try to stop the animation film from being released before his proposed sequel is left to be seen. At the moment, both the parties seem equally adamant. Let's see who blinks first.