Vipul Amrutlal Shah's 2002 heist thriller Aankhen became a cult film thanks to its edgy and eccentric plot. Sixteen years later, a sequel has been announced where Amitabh Bachchan will lead the way for the boys. As per the latest report on Mumbai Mirror, Amitabh Bachchan has signed the dotted lines for the film which will now be directed by Anees Bazmee. “Amit ji liked the script and has given his nod to the project. Anees has begun prep and will start shooting in 2019. The team is targeting an early 2020 release,” a source close to the development told the tabloid.

Actors Sushant Singh Rajput, Jackie Chan and Vicky Kaushal are also being considered for other supporting leads in the sequel. No confirmation from the actors' end has been received so far. Reports state that both, Sushant Singh Rajput and Vicky Kaushal are in the running for the second lead to accompany Big B. Aankhen 2 is being centred around a casino. The source also added, “And since the story revolves around a casino this time owned by a Chinese, the makers are considering Jackie Chan for the part.”

The first Aankhen film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal and Sushmita Sen in the lead role. A sequel of the same was even announced back in 2016 by Gaurang Doshi at a press conference where the filmmaker introduced media to the ensemble cast of the sequel. However, the film didn't take off and nobody heard any news regarding his film since then.

The story of Aankhen revolved around the character Vijay Singh Rajput (essayed by Amitabh Bachchan), a hard-working but volatile natured man who works in a bank. However, due to a spat with a colleague, he is fired from his job. He plots a revenge plan against the bank by organising a heist with three blind men, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal and Paresh Rawal.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2018 11:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).