Sequel to Raaz will not have the original cast 
By Subhash K. Jha, January 17, 2007 - 08:20 IST
The Bhatts haven't yet equalled the success of their Raaz in any other subsequent production. In this ongoing season of sequels what better option than to put forward the sequel to their most successful production till date?
Unfortunately not too many people associated with the 2002 mega-hit seem interested in doing a sequel. Director Vikram Bhatt says, "I really don’t know….Right now I'm readying Red for release and editing my other film Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi."
What Vikram leaves unstated is that some years ago he decided to part ways with the Bhatts, and is unlikely to return to the Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt camp.
Bipasha who played the disgruntled wife, who rescues her husband from the ghost of his psychotic mistress, is also unexcited about a sequel. "This is the first time I'm hearing about it."
That leaves the film with the film's leading man Dino Morea who's all for another Raaz. "Bhatt Saab has been talking about a sequel to Raaz. I don't mind doing it, as long as the story is carried forward logically and interestingly. After all sequels are doing stupendously well. And Raaz was one of the biggest hits in recent times."
However producer Mahesh Bhatt has other ideas. He neither needs the old director or star cast. "It's Mohit Suri who directed my productions Zeher, Kalyug and Woh Lamhe who thought of the idea for the sequel. He'll be directing Raaz 2. Once he finishes with our current project Awaarapan in Jodhpur he’ll sink his teeth into the Raaz sequel. As for the original star cast, why are you presuming that Mohit would want the same players? He has a very strong concept in mind for the sequel. It doesn't require the earlier cast."
Raaz 2 will be made with a new cast. Says Mahesh, "We're committed to make movies with newcomers.” The Bhatts have given the film industry talented technicians and actors like Anuarg Basu, Mohit Suri, Emran Hashmi and Kangana.
"We cannot take any credit for their performance,” says Mahesh with uncharacteristic modesty. "We're privileged to give these youngsters a platform. We're not in this business only to provide a cast for our films. We want to introduce as much talent to the industry as we can. Raaz 2 will continue that tradition."
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