Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji back after 11 years in Bunty Aur Babli 2,  join Siddhant Chaturvedi, Sharvari

Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji are all set to return to the screen together in Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2020), the second film in the franchise. They join actor Siddhant Chaturvedi and newcomer Sharvari, who were signed for the film earlier. 

The young actor and actress play conmen in the film. However, Khan and Mukerji will play the characters of the original Bunty and Babli from the first movie which released in 2005 and was directed by Shaad Ali.

The big difference is that Abhishek Bachchan’s character of Bunty will now be played by Khan. Also, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who played the cop in the first film, is also not the part of the sequel. 

Explaining the reason for Abhishek’s absence, Mukerji said, "The original Bunty Aur Babli got tremendous love and appreciation from audiences and it is their love that has made YRF decide to make the sequel. Abhishek and I were both approached by YRF to reprise our roles as the originals in Bunty Aur Babli 2 but, unfortunately, things didn’t work out with him and we will miss him dearly."

But she is happy to have Khan on board as she has previously acted with him in Hum Tum (2004), Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007), both YRF films, and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008). “As a team, we are so happy to welcome Saif. I have lovely memories of working with him and I’m really looking forward to creating something new and exciting with him in Bunty Aur Babli 2. Hopefully, audiences will give us the same love that they have given our earlier films,” Mukerji added. 

Khan is happy to be back with the banner 11 years later after Tashan (2008). In the same year, he had given a voiceover for YRF’s animation film Roadside Romeo (2008). “Bunty Aur Babli 2 is a completely rebooted sequel and is set in today’s time. It is a fantastic script that hooked me on instantly. It is an out-and-out entertainer for the entire family to sit and enjoy and this is what I loved and connected with," Khan said in an official statement. 

Speaking more about the film and his role, he added, “Also, it’s a new role for me, new language and milieu, and that’s what I really look for in a script. I also love the dynamics between the originals and the new Bunty Babli in the film. It’s fresh, hilarious and extremely engaging. Rani and I have always had a lot of fun working with each other and I am looking forward to our creative collaboration again. It’s also equally amazing to be back home at YRF again.” 

Bunty Aur Babli 2 will be the directorial debut for Varun Sharma. He has worked with the banner as an assistant director in their successful films like Sultan (2016) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017).