Abhinav Kashyap has opted out as Dabangg 2 director following differences with producer Arbaaz Khan, who has stepped in and decided to wield the megaphone himself, making his debut as director.
According to the Mumbai Mirror, Kashyap conveyed his decision to drop out around 10 days ago over text, following 2 weeks of to and fro between him and Arbaaz over differences in the handling of the project.
Ironically, Dabangg was Kashyap's directorial debut. It must suck to be eased out of the sequel after having delivered such a resounding hit.
Arbaaz puts the blame squarely on Kashyap for the change in command.
"Yes, there have been issues and Abhinav is no longer directing the film," he told the Mumbai Mirror. "I don't want to get in to details of what happened between us, but this has happened over the last two weeks."
"It was strange how he shot me an SMS and didn't even bother to meet me personally," Arbaaz added.
He also confirmed that he will be directing the film.
"Yes, I am directing it and the process has begun. I was involved in every aspect of Dabangg as producer.
"We have started work on the script and in the next 2-3 months I will have the first draft ready as well. But I don't want to say anything more about the film and it subject," Arbaaz added.
Understandably, Arbaaz is not rattled by Kashyap's decision to quit. When Salman Khan headlines a film, does it matter who the director is? It can only help, if the director is his brother and the film's producer.
