The sequel to the 2006 comedy Malamaal Weekly is moving ahead with a major change in its creative team. Priyadarshan, who wrote and directed the original film, has confirmed that he will not return for the second instalment. Filmmaker Amit Joshi has reportedly been brought on board to direct Malamaal Weekly 2, while Riteish Deshmukh is also said to be no longer associated with the project.
The development marks a significant shift for the comedy franchise, which was originally expected to reunite some of the people behind the 2006 film. With a new director and a reported change in the cast, the sequel is now expected to take a different creative direction while retaining the elements that made the original a popular comedy.
The latest update comes from a Variety India report published on November 3. Priyadarshan has directly confirmed his decision to stay away from the sequel, while the casting changes and Amit Joshi’s appointment have been reported by the publication.
Priyadarshan Confirms He Will Not Direct Malamaal Weekly 2
Priyadarshan has made it clear that he will not be involved in Malamaal Weekly 2. Speaking to Variety India, the filmmaker confirmed his decision and explained that he does not intend to direct sequels.
“I am not doing it. I have decided not to do any sequel,” Priyadarshan said.
The filmmaker’s decision means the sequel will move forward without the director who created the original comedy. Priyadarshan wrote and directed Malamaal Weekly, which brought together an ensemble cast led by Paresh Rawal, Om Puri and Riteish Deshmukh.
His decision also reflects his stated reluctance to revisit successful films through sequels. For the upcoming instalment, the makers will now have to establish a fresh creative identity under a different director.
Amit Joshi to Direct Malamaal Weekly 2
With Priyadarshan stepping away, Amit Joshi has reportedly been selected to direct Malamaal Weekly 2. Joshi previously co-directed Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, the 2024 science-fiction romantic comedy starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.
His appointment brings a new filmmaker into a franchise associated with Priyadarshan’s distinctive style of ensemble comedy and chaotic situations. The sequel is expected to introduce a fresh storyline while retaining the small-town atmosphere, financial temptations and comic misunderstandings that shaped the original.
A source quoted in the Variety India report said the casting has been finalised and that the team will announce the names shortly. However, the complete cast and character details have not been officially unveiled in the latest announcement.
Is Riteish Deshmukh Out of Malamaal Weekly 2?
Riteish Deshmukh, who played a key role in the original Malamaal Weekly, is also reportedly not returning for the sequel. His reported absence is another major change for the project, particularly because earlier casting reports had linked him to the new instalment.
A Bollywood Hungama report published in August had named Riteish among the expected leads, alongside Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Elvish Yadav. However, that report also stated that Riteish was still reading the script and had not signed the project at the time.
The latest Variety India report now says that the actor is no longer part of the proposed sequel. The makers have not publicly clarified the circumstances surrounding the reported casting change.
With the casting process reportedly finalised, further announcements are expected to reveal which actors will lead the new film.
What Was Malamaal Weekly About?
Released in 2006, Malamaal Weekly was a comedy written and directed by Priyadarshan. The film featured Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Riteish Deshmukh, Arbaaz Khan, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani in important roles.
The story revolved around a group of villagers who discover that a lottery ticket has won a substantial prize. When the ticket holder dies, the villagers become caught up in a scheme to claim the winnings, leading to greed, deception, misunderstandings and a series of comic situations.
The film was adapted from the 1998 British comedy Waking Ned. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, it became a commercial success and developed a lasting following among viewers who enjoy ensemble-driven Hindi comedies.
Its story was also adapted into other Indian languages, including the Telugu film Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw, the Kannada film Dakota Picture and the Malayalam film Aamayum Muyalum.
What to Expect From Malamaal Weekly 2
The sequel is expected to introduce a new storyline and a different cast while retaining the small-town setting and humour associated with the original. The combination of money-related complications, human greed and comic misunderstandings is expected to remain central to its premise.
However, the makers have not yet officially revealed the full plot, cast, production schedule or release date. The reported appointment of Amit Joshi signals a new creative direction, but it remains to be seen how closely the sequel will follow the tone of Priyadarshan’s 2006 comedy.
For now, Malamaal Weekly 2 is moving forward without its original director and, reportedly, without Riteish Deshmukh. Audiences will have to wait for the official cast announcement to find out who will lead the next chapter of the comedy franchise.
Malamaal Weekly 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Malamaal Weekly 2 happening?
Yes. The sequel to the 2006 comedy Malamaal Weekly is reportedly moving forward with a new director and changes to its cast.
2. Is Priyadarshan directing Malamaal Weekly 2?
No. Priyadarshan has confirmed that he will not direct the sequel, saying he has decided not to make any sequels.
3. Who is directing Malamaal Weekly 2?
Amit Joshi has reportedly been brought on board to direct the sequel. He previously co-directed Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.
4. Is Riteish Deshmukh returning for Malamaal Weekly 2?
Riteish Deshmukh is reportedly not part of the sequel. The makers have not officially clarified his casting status.
