'Zanjeer' remake gets green signal from original writers

Amidst all controversies revolving around the remake of Amitabh Bachchan starrer Zanjeer, producer Amit Mehra says he has taken the blessings from the film's writers Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar.

The remake of Bachchan starrer superhit film, Zanjeer has been in the news regarding copyright and royalty issue. Both the writers of the 1973 original film had expressed displeasure over the remake.

But Amit says he has their permission now to re-make the film.

"We have bought the rights of Zanjeer from my father's production company, Prakash Mehra. I have met both (Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar) of them to take their blessings. They are special people," Amit told PTI.

His father Prakash Mehra had produced and directed the original Zanjeer. The action thriller's screenplay and dialogues were co-written by Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan.

"This is my first film and I wanted to make 'Zanjeer' as it was a superhit film also I am emotionally connected with it," he said.

The writers has reportedly asked for a substantial sum of money if Amit wanted to re-translate the Zanjeer script on celluloid.

When asked about the same, Amit said, "I don't know all this. I am meeting them again, hopefully everything would be fine. But the remake of 'Zanjeer' will be made. I did not ask them for anything. Salim uncle gave me his blessings," Amit said.

Earlier both the writers had complained that the producers did not consult them before going ahead with the remake plans of 'Zanjeer'.

On the other hand, when asked about the objections that are being raised for the remake of the film, Salim said, "I don't want to talk about it. It is too premature to say anything. And I don't understand why is such a big issue is being made."

The original film had established Amitabh Bachchan as the angry young man of the Hindi cinema.

Telugu actor Ram Charan, son of Chiranjeevi, has been finalised to step into Big B's role, while Priyanka Chopra is being considered to reprise the role of Jaya Bachchan.

"We have signed Ram Charan, Prakash Raj and Mahie Gill for the film. Talks with Priyanka are going on. Nothing has been confirmed yet on the part of leading lady for the film," Amit said.

Bachchan may do a cameo in the remake. "Without Amit uncle, Zanjeer, the original film would have never been made. The talks are on," Amit said.

The remake version of the film, to be directed by Apoorva Lakhia, would go on floors this month.