That filmmaker Ravi Chopra's son, Abhay, was planning to revive the flagging fortunes of the once-influential banner founded by his late grandfather, BR Chopra, with a sequel to 'Bhootnath' (2008), we had reported earlier. Now, T-Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar, has come on board as co-producer of the film, thus helping strengthen Abhay's resolve to resurrect the banner which fell on hard times following his father Ravi's failing health. That's not all. Amitabh Bachchan, who played the ghost named Kailash Nath in the original, has given his nod to the sequel, which is tentatively titled Bhootnath 2. When contacted, Bhushan confirmed the news and said: "T-Series will co-produce Bhootnath 2. I share a sentimental relationship with Ravi, who hasn't been keeping too well. I really wanted to do something to help revive the iconic BR Films." It is believed what also influenced Bhushan's coming on board the project was the fact that his company has been trying to expand its ambit from being just a music label to a full-fledged production house. Abhay and his brother Kapil sensed this and approached him just in time for him to agree to finance the film.

As for Amitabh reprising his original role, Bhushan said: "We approached Amit-ji with the script and he liked it. He instantly agreed to return to the character that he had enjoyed playing in the first place. With the sequel, we plan to convert the film into a franchise, and the sequel will largely focus on Amitabh's character and his relationship with the kid, whose part hasn't been finalised yet." As reported earlier, instead of Vivek Sharma who directed the first film, Nitesh Tiwari of Chillar Party fame will direct the sequel. Boman Irani will join the cast, while Juhi Chawla's character has been entirely done away with. Shah Rukh Khan, who had an extended cameo in the first film, will not make an appearance in the sequel. The film will go on floors in November this year and is expected to release around April 2014.