Sunny’s villainy plans for Ghayal Returns foiled

June 15, 2011 - 1:45 AM IST

Barring a stray film like Fox, Sunny Deol has never played a villain in his career spanning close to three decades. However, for the sequel of Ghayal, Sunny had made up his mind to play the part of the antagonist. He was all excited about the written part that came his way and was gung ho about turning villain in Ghayal Returns before director Ashwini Chaudhary had a heart to heart conversation with him and reminded him that it was a sequel he was doing.

Sunny’s villainy plans for Ghayal Returns foiled

"Ghayal has gained a cult status for itself not just because of Sunny but also because of the towering persona that the film's antagonist (Late) Amrish Puri carried. For the sequel, the makers were hunting for the appropriate face that could create similar terror. Also, his personality had to powerful enough to result in terror waves. This is where Sunny felt that he could be the man trusted for the job", informs a source attached to the film.

Initially, everyone around Sunny thought that he was joking. However, when he mentioned that he was seriously considering becoming antagonist instead of the protagonist in Ghayal Returns, Ashwini and his team were taken by surprise.

"The entire premise of Ghayal Returns was based on the return of Ajay Mehra after 20 years. It just didn't make sense for someone else to be playing Sunny's part and the actor donning a different hat. The sheer foundation of the sequel would have fallen flat", the source continues, "If at all Sunny would have insisted to play this role, it would have been curtains for Ghayal Returns and a new name would have been devised for the film. Also, there couldn't have been anymore of Ajay Mehra in the film."

In his heart, Sunny too realised that and eventually relented while keeping his 'khalnayak' plans on the backburner.

"Sunny has never played an out and out negative role and the part written for the antagonist in Ghayal Returns is extremely evil and scheming. So kicked was Sunny with this part that he really wanted to play it. I am sure if this film wasn't a sequel to Ghayal, we all would have loved to see him stepping into the shoes of the villain. It is so powerful", confirms Ashwini who is currently busy location scouting for the film.

As things stand today, there have been a couple of actors who are in strong consideration for the antagonist's role in Ghayal Returns. However, given the kind of criticality and complexity that this character carries for the film, the makers are keeping cards close to their chest before making any declarations.

"We should be ready to make an announcement within a week's time. Rest assured it would surprise many", winks Ashwini before signing off.