Malamaal Weekly 2: Priyadarshan Confirms Exit as Amit Joshi Reportedly Takes Over Direction

The much-awaited sequel to Malamaal Weekly is heading in a new creative direction, with original filmmaker Priyadarshan confirming that he will not return to direct the second instalment. Filmmaker Amit Joshi, known for co-directing Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, has reportedly been brought on board to helm the comedy.

Priyadarshan made his position clear in a conversation with Variety India. Explaining his decision to stay away from the project, he said, “I am not doing it. I have decided not to do any sequel.”

His exit marks a significant change for a film that was originally written and directed by him. The 2006 comedy developed a following through its ensemble performances and its chaotic story built around a winning lottery ticket.

Amit Joshi Reportedly Steps In as Director

With Priyadarshan no longer associated with the sequel, Amit Joshi is reportedly set to take charge of the direction. Joshi co-directed Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

The change brings a different filmmaking voice to the franchise. However, the sequel is expected to retain the small-town backdrop and the comic situations involving money, greed and misunderstandings that helped define the original film.

According to Variety India, the casting process has been completed, and the team is expected to announce the names shortly. The makers have not yet publicly disclosed the complete cast or detailed production plans.

Is Riteish Deshmukh Also Out?

Another major reported development concerns Riteish Deshmukh, who was part of the original film's ensemble. Variety India has reported that the actor will also not return for the sequel.

However, unlike Priyadarshan's departure, which the filmmaker has personally confirmed, Riteish's reported exit has not been independently confirmed by the actor or the production team in the material reviewed for this report. His participation should therefore be treated as unconfirmed until an official announcement is made.

The reported casting changes suggest that Malamaal Weekly 2 could be built around a substantially different team rather than simply reuniting the original cast.

Why the Original Malamaal Weekly Still Matters?

Released in 2006, Malamaal Weekly featured Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Riteish Deshmukh, Arbaaz Khan, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani. The story revolved around a lottery ticket belonging to a deceased winner and the scramble among villagers to claim the prize.

The film was adapted from the 1998 British comedy Waking Ned. Its central premise created plenty of room for misunderstandings, competing interests and escalating comic situations.

That combination became an important part of the film's identity. The sequel will now have to establish its own comic rhythm while retaining enough of the original's appeal to make the franchise recognisable.

The Celebrity Hour Take

Priyadarshan's departure is more than a routine change of director. His comic sensibility was central to the identity of the original Malamaal Weekly, so a new filmmaker will have to establish a distinct approach without losing the flavour audiences associate with the title.

Amit Joshi's reported appointment brings an opportunity to refresh the franchise, but the real test will be the screenplay, casting and execution. The makers will also need to clarify whether any familiar faces are returning.

For now, Priyadarshan's exit is confirmed, Amit Joshi's appointment has been reported, and the final cast remains officially unannounced. The next announcement from the makers should provide a clearer picture of what Malamaal Weekly 2 will look like.

Sources & Verification

This report uses Priyadarshan's statement to Variety India, which confirms his decision not to direct the sequel, alongside secondary coverage from NDTV and Bollywood Hungama. Amit Joshi's reported appointment and Riteish Deshmukh's reported exit are attributed to the reporting by Variety India; neither should be presented as an official production announcement without further confirmation.