Akshay Kumar has taken over the Hashmi’s character and the reports are that Sonakshi Sinha will play the love interest of Akshay in the film. The Dabangg girl will play the character of ‘Mandakini’, the love interest of Dawood in the film.

Earlier, it was said that Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone or Kareena Kapoor would play the character of ‘Mandakini’ but Milan seems to have zeroed on Sonakshi for her successful Dabangg debut.

A source was quoted in Mumbai Mirror as saying, “Ekta Kapoor and Milan Luthria are taking their time to choose the leading lady for ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbai’ 2. They want the girl to be perfect. Initially, they wanted a leading lady to essay the role of Mandakini. But now, they are considering Sonakshi Sinha.”

Sonakshi who is working with Akshay in another film ‘Joker’ seems working in the favor of the actress, “Akshay and Sonakshi are already doing Shirish Kunder’s Joker and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Rowdy Rathod to be directed by Prabhudeva together. Ekta and Milan will obviously keep that in mind while making their choice,” added the source.

So far the casting a part from Akshay isn’t final as yet, the director is looking for a parallel hero for the film, “They are still looking for the parallel hero in the film. Once the second actor is finalised, Ekta and Milan will take a call on who will play the leading lady,” said the source.

The sequel of the film will be directed by Milan Lutharia itself. The first installment of the movie emphasized on the life of Haji Mastan and his rivalry with Dawood Ibrahim, where Haji Mastan dies in the end. Whereas, the sequel will entirely draw attention towards the rise of Dawood in Mumbai Underworld. The film is going to be a true action packed thriller.

Since, none of the lead actors from the original film are working in the sequel, its anticipated that the film will see some fresh and happening story altogether. Ekta Kapoor is keen on making the film on the basis of a complete new script, with no relation to the first film. The search is on for the film’s second lead, who could play Akshay’s rival in the movie.

We hope, Akki gets his timing right in dhishoom dhishoom!