Bhool Bhulaiyaa‘, which originally starred Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja and Ameesha Patel, returned to the big screen 15 years after its release, this time, with a brand new cast. 

With no Akshay Kumar in sight, fans of the 2007 hit film have been skeptical over how the film will be able to retain its comic charm without the 54-year-old actor. 

Finally addressing the snub in an interview with The Indian Express, filmmaker Anees Bazmee revealed that Kumar is just “too big for these small things”, adding that it is “a very small thing for him to do or not do Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.”

“Akshay is too big for these small things. Akshay Kumar cannot be replaced, and he knows that he is not replaced in this film. Akshay has a great body of work over 25 years. Akshay is doing comedy, he is dancing, he is doing action, he is doing everything, he is getting offered the kind of films he wants. So, it is a very small thing for him to do or not do Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. But of course, if he was in our film, and if our story would have permitted that, then I am sure (he would have done it),” Bazmee said. 

Also Read: Watch: Female fans chase after Kartik Aaryan with roses at the airport

Clarifying that there has been no love lost between the two of them, Bazmee said, “We share a great relationship and friendship. I had directed Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Welcome and Singh Is King with him. We share a great rapport and I would love to work with him again.”

The 59-year-old filmmaker also shared his inner challenge of making sure the sequel lives up to viewers’ expectations.

Also Read: Tanzanian sensation Kili Paul grooves to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 song

 “It was very difficult to make this film, and I’ll be very honest about it. Bhool Bhulaiyaa was such a huge success, so when I was asked to make this film, I started feeling the stress. As it was such a beautiful film, people’s expectations from our film are much higher, and there will be comparisons too. So, I was very sure of what things I wanted to retain from the film and what will definitely not be a part of our film. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is not a psychological thriller, unlike the original,” he said. 

The sequel, released this Friday, stars Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu and Paresh Rawal in pivotal roles.