Akshay Kumar to play Dawood In Once Upon A Time In Mumbai

Akshay Kumar will play the lead in Ekta Kapoor's Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai sequel. This one, too, will be directed by Milan Luthria.

While the original traced the life of the don Haji Mastan (played by Ajay Devgn), the sequel will trace the rise of Dawood Ibrahim.

The Khiladi has already met the Balaji head honcho and discussed the role at length.

The second part of Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai will focus on the life of the dreaded underworld figure. While the original was a drama, the second part is more like a action/thriller.

"The sequel will pick up from where the first film (Emraan Hashmi had played a young Dawood) ended," said a source. "The original focused on the rivalry between Haji Mastan (Ajay Devgn's character was called Sultan) and Dawood (Emraan's character was called Shoaib).

Since Sultan dies in the end, the second part will focus on how Shoaib makes an empire around his name."

Chances are that the sequel might have a completely different plot.

The source adds, "Ekta is considering the option of having a completely new script, with no relation to the first film. Since both Ajay and Emraan won't make it to the sequel, it gives the director scope to tell a new story."

There will also be another actor in the film.

"Talks are on to finalise the second lead. The second character will be play his rival and will have several high-octane action scenes."

Balaji is expected to make an announcement in coming days.

According to reports, the delay is being attributed to money negotiations between Ekta and Akshay.

Source : Mid Day