The long-awaited third instalment of the Munna Bhai franchise may finally be moving towards production. After years of speculation about the return of Munna Bhai and Circuit, a new report suggests that filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has brought writer Farhad Samji on board to develop the screenplay. The film is reportedly expected to go on floors in 2027, although the proposed schedule has not been officially confirmed by the makers.
According to a report by Variety India, Samji is currently writing Munna Bhai 3 and is expected to complete the script soon. His involvement also brings him back to a franchise he has been associated with since its first instalment, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., released in 2003. Samji had written the opening refrain of the popular song ‘M Bole Toh’, which became closely associated with the film.
If the project moves ahead as reported, audiences could see Sanjay Dutt return as Murli Prasad Sharma, popularly known as Munna Bhai, with Arshad Warsi reprising his much-loved role as Circuit. The two actors became one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable comedy duos through their performances in the first film and its 2006 sequel, Lage Raho Munna Bhai.
Farhad Samji Joins Rajkumar Hirani for Munna Bhai 3
Farhad Samji’s reported involvement marks an important development for a project that has remained in discussion for years. The writer’s earlier contribution to Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. was the opening refrain of ‘M Bole Toh’. He is now reportedly working on the screenplay for the third film, with the writing process expected to move towards completion.
The proposed 2027 filming timeline has renewed interest in the sequel, but the script remains central to the project’s progress. Hirani has repeatedly indicated that he does not want to make another Munna Bhai film simply because audiences are asking for one. He wants a story that can match the emotional connection, humour and impact of the earlier films.
The filmmaker’s approach is understandable given the expectations surrounding the franchise. Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. introduced a lovable gangster who enters the medical world to fulfil his father’s dream, while Lage Raho Munna Bhai took the characters into a story inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. Both films combined comedy with an emotional and socially relevant message.
Why Has Munna Bhai 3 Taken So Long?
Rajkumar Hirani has previously spoken about the difficulty of finding a complete story for the third instalment. In an interview with Hindustan Times in June 2026, the filmmaker explained that developing a few entertaining scenes was not enough to build an entire film.
“If you only want to see Munna Bhai up to the interval, I can make five films right now. Because I don’t have the story beyond that point,” Hirani said.
His comments underline why the sequel has taken so many years to develop. The filmmaker wants the next chapter to have a compelling narrative rather than rely only on the popularity of Munna Bhai and Circuit.
Arshad Warsi has also discussed the challenges surrounding the project. The actor previously revealed that three incomplete scripts existed, each containing interesting scenes and ideas but lacking the crucial connection needed to bring the story together. The missing element, he suggested, was what prevented the drafts from becoming a finished screenplay.
With Samji now reportedly working on the script, the latest development could help the project move towards its next stage. However, the final screenplay and production schedule remain subject to confirmation.
Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi’s Munna Bhai-Circuit Reunion
One of the biggest reasons audiences continue to ask about Munna Bhai 3 is the chemistry between Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi. Their friendship on screen became a defining feature of the franchise, with Circuit’s loyalty, comic timing and admiration for Munna Bhai complementing the lead character’s unconventional personality.
In Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Munna attempts to fulfil his father’s dream of seeing him become a doctor, setting off a series of comic situations inside a medical college. The 2006 sequel, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, took a different direction by introducing Gandhian philosophy through Munna’s humorous and unconventional interpretation of the principles.
The two films established a distinctive mix of humour, friendship and social commentary. That legacy also explains why the third instalment faces considerable expectations. A new film would need to give the characters a fresh situation while preserving the qualities that made their earlier adventures memorable.
For now, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi are expected to return in their iconic roles, according to the latest report. However, an official announcement confirming the cast has not yet been made.
When Will Munna Bhai 3 Release?
There is currently no confirmed theatrical release date for Munna Bhai 3. The latest report suggests that the film is targeting a 2027 production start, with Farhad Samji expected to complete the screenplay soon.
If filming begins as planned, further details about the supporting cast, storyline and release window could emerge as the project progresses. Until the makers make an official announcement, the 2027 timeline should be treated as a reported plan rather than a confirmed production date.
For fans who have waited nearly two decades since Lage Raho Munna Bhai, the news offers a fresh reason to look forward to the return of the much-loved characters. The biggest question now is whether Hirani and his writing team can find the story that finally brings Munna Bhai and Circuit back together on screen.
Jay-Ho! Spotlight: The reported addition of Farhad Samji to the screenplay team has given Munna Bhai 3 fresh momentum, but the film’s next major milestone will be a completed script and an official production announcement.
FAQs
1. Is Munna Bhai 3 officially happening?
A third instalment is reportedly in development, with writer Farhad Samji working on the screenplay. However, the makers have not officially confirmed the film’s production schedule.
2. When will Munna Bhai 3 go on floors?
According to the latest report, Munna Bhai 3 is expected to begin filming in 2027. The timeline has not been officially confirmed.
3. Who is writing Munna Bhai 3?
Farhad Samji is reportedly writing the screenplay for the third instalment and is expected to complete it soon.
4. Will Sanjay Dutt return as Munna Bhai?
Sanjay Dutt is expected to reprise his role as Murli Prasad Sharma, popularly known as Munna Bhai. His return has not yet been officially confirmed.
5. Will Arshad Warsi return as Circuit?
Arshad Warsi is expected to return as Circuit, Munna Bhai’s loyal friend and companion. An official casting announcement is still awaited.
