With Akshay Kumar opting out of 'Hera Pheri 3', we take a look at a few actors who stepped out of film franchises that they were part of or synonymous with

Given the current rage of sequels, several filmmakers are seen busy writing follow-up stories to their hit films. Though the concept of franchise films has been around for a few years now, it has been witnessing certain changes - an all-new ensemble cast, new directors, lead replacements and complete turnabouts in the plot.

Though it lends a fresh feel to a particular film, there may be issues of continuation and lack of audience connect. Can you imagine 'Dabangg' without Salman Khan? Or 'Dhoom' devoid of Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra? But then, in what seems to be a growing trend, quite a few actors seem to opting out of sequels. Akshay Kumar joins the club as he has turned down 'Hera Pheri 3'. Hitlist turns the spotlight on actors who did not feature in the sequels of their films for whatever reasons.

Akshay Kumar
Opted out of: 'Hera Pheri'
Known for his brilliant comic timing, the actor recently backed out of the third instalment of the 'Hera Pheri' franchise, which now stars Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in the lead.


However, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal from the original cast have been retained in the film. There were reports that Akki didn't like the script and later, he even said that he was not approached for the film. However, a source tells us that Akshay Kumar and producer Firoz Nadiadwala had disagreements regarding his fee - Akshay had apparently asked for Rs 50 crore. The film was said to be delayed due to negotiations with the actor and when the deal fell through, the makers decided to sign on other stars.

Riteish Deshmukh

Opted out of: 'Kyaa Kool Hain Hum'
He has been delivering successful films as an actor and earned acclaim and appreciation for his Marathi film productions. If sources close to the actor are to be believed, Riteish has decided not to do three-hero projects or star-studded films anymore. Actor Aftab Shivdasani has replaced the funnyman in the third instalment of Kyaa Kool Hain Hum, which was officially launched on a TV comedy show.

Sharman Joshi

Opted out of: 'Golmaal'
He opted out of the blockbuster comedy film's third part as he did not want to continue with the comedy genre. Director Rohit Shetty and lead actor Ajay Devgn were keen on having Sharman on board, but he felt he would have little to do in a film that had too many stars in it. When the film was announced in early 2013, Sharman had said in an interview, "I don't have an issue with comedy, but as an actor, I had already explored that particular space in the first film. It wasn't exciting for me anymore. Every project that I pick should pose a new challenge for me. I had fun shooting for it (Golmaal) but I want to do something else now. Rohit is a big director. If he chooses me to be a part of a new project, I will be more than honoured." Later, Kunal Khemmu stepped into Sharman's shoes.

Vidya Balan

Opted out of: 'Kahaani'
First, there were rumours that Vidya Balan had signed 'Kahaani 2'. Then reports trickled in that the film had been shelved and director Sujoy Ghosh would cast the actress in another thriller. Some also said Vidya and Sujoy had a fallout when she withdrew from his Durga Rani Singh last year at the eleventh hour citing health issues (grapevine termed it pregnancy but the actress scotched the rumours). The latest we hear is that Vidya continues not to be on talking terms with Sujoy. If that's true, Kahaani sequel is a far-fetched idea.

Emraan Hashmi

Opted out of: 'Murder'
The serial kisser and Bhatt protege was expected to feature in Murder 3 after the success of the first two parts in 2004 and 2011. However, Randeep Hooda was signed on with the gossip mills suggesting that his date diary was choc-a-block and that he wanted some changes in the script which were not acceptable to director Vishesh Bhatt. But it could also be that Emraan was tired of sequels. In an interview, he had said: "Once Part 3 ends, it's better to experiment with a new franchise than get lazy with an old one." On the other hand, Mahesh Bhatt reasoned that Emraan had turned down the offer as the film had a woman-centric story. "Also, it did not cater to his needs of films of an A-lister aspiring to be in the R100 crore club," the filmmaker was quoted.

Bipasha Basu

Opted out of: 'Raaz'
The 'horror queen' could not do the sequel to Raaz due to other commitments. However, she was back for the third part which released in 2012. She was cast opposite Emraan Hashmi. Esha Gupta also played a key role in the film.

Franchise loyalty
Suniel Shetty

After tickling the funny bones of the audience with the first two parts of 'Hera Pheri', he has been signed to do the third instalment too.

Kangana Ranaut

She garnered much praise for her role in the 2011 film 'Tanu Weds Manu'. Probably that's why the makers decided to give her a double role in 'Tanu Weds Manu 2', which is currently under production.

Salman Khan

Apart from a triple role, Sallu will romance 10 heroines in 'No Entry Mein Entry', which film is a sequel to the 2005 comedy riot, 'No Entry'.

Sunny Deol

He is presently filming the sequel of his blockbuster hit 'Ghayal' (1990). The actor plays an encounter specialist in the film.