Kamal Ghorui
Nikkhil Advani is developing ‘Salaam-E-Ishq 2’, nearly two decades after his 2007 romantic anthology first reached theaters. The sequel will turn the film into a franchise with a new story centered on three couples whose lives cross through love, fate and personal choices. The film will explore commitment issues, social pressure and emotional conflict in present-day India. Advani is currently writing the script and plans to take the project into production early next year.‘Salaam-E-Ishq 2’ plot and cast plansAccording to Variety India, the sequel will not continue the exact story of the original film. Instead, ‘Salaam-E-Ishq 2’ will follow three new couples facing different challenges in their relationships. The report said the film will offer a fresh look at love and relationships in contemporary India. The original ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’ featured a large ensemble cast, including Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham, Vidya Balan, Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Akshaye Khanna and Sohail Khan, among others. Advani now plans to bring together another prominent multi-generational cast for the sequel. The makers have not announced the cast yet. The sequel will be rooted in modern relationship conflicts rather than nostalgia alone, while still carrying the anthology format that shaped the first film.Nikkhil Advani returns to romance genreShankar-Ehsaan-Loy will return to compose the music for ‘Salaam-e-Ishq 2’. The trio created the original film’s album, which featured songs such as “Dil Kya Kare,” “Mera Dil,” “Tenu Leke,” and “Saiyaan Re.” The songs continue to find listeners years after the film’s release.The sequel will mark Advani’s return to romance more than a decade after ‘Katti Batti’ in 2015. In recent years, he has focused on action and historical projects such as ‘Batla House’, ‘Vedaa’, ‘Mumbai Diaries’ and ‘Freedom at Midnight’. His next project, ‘The Revolutionaries’, is a historical freedom fighter drama set to premiere on Prime Video later this year.‘Salaam-E-Ishq’ did not work at the box office in 2007, but it later gained a dedicated following for its music and emotional themes. In a recent conversation with Variety India, Advani called the film “almost a death blow” to his career. He also said, “It’s a good time for a (Salaam-e-Ishq) franchise. It’s primarily because I know the mistakes I made.”
