Exclusive! Saif Ali Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez to join Amitabh Bachchan in 'Aankhen 2'

Anees Bazmee, who is busy filming his comic caper Pagalpanti in London, is already planning his next project, Aankhen 2. The Mubarakan director has roped in Amitabh Bachchan, Paresh Rawal and Jacqueline Fernandez for the thriller, which will go on floors in the second half of this year.

Big B and Paresh are the only two actors who have been retained from the original. After Hrs had earlier reported that the makers were looking at a cast of five principal characters. Now, for one of those roles, Anees has reportedly finalised Saif Ali Khan. Says a source, “Both of them had been planning to collaborate for a few years. The filmmaker was looking to cast someone for the second male lead and approached Saif with the script. The Nawab of Pataudi will essay a role similar to what Akshay Kumar had portrayed in the first part. Saif has been a part of successful thrillers such as the Race franchise. So, he jumped at this offer.”

“The producers needed someone younger than Amitji, but still senior enough in the industry. They wanted an actor in their late 40s and Saif was the perfect fit,” adds our source. Now, the team needs to find a younger hero to complete the ensemble.

We reached out to Anees, but he didn’t respond till the time of going to press.