As actor Vivek Oberoi gears up for the release of his upcoming Kismet Love Paisa Dilli (KLPD), he finds himself surrounded by rumours that the film is the sequel of director Sanjay Khanduri’s Ek Chalis Ki Last Local. The film that Khanduri had directed almost five years back starred Abhay Deol. But while KLPD’s trailer bears an uncanny resemblance with ECKLL, Vivek insists that his film is not a sequel.

“KLPD can be called an extension of Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, which was an adventure film. KLPD has much more to offer along with being a madcap entertainer,” says Vivek. Talking about Khanduri, for whom Vivek is all praises, he adds, “Sanjay has been exceptional on the film, the inanely funny characters and situations that he has created straddle the thin line between insanity and reality that will actually make you wonder if they really exist.”

However, according to the trade buzz, the comparisons between the two films are inevitable. Moreso, there were also reports that ECKLL was initially offered to Vivek. Talking about the two films, insiders feel that while Abhay’s ECKLL was a sleeper hit, KLPD has an added advantage with Vivek in it. “Abhay has a strong multiplex following, while Vivek has both the classes as well as the masses appeal. So, this might just work to the film’s advantage,” say industry insiders. The film also stars Mallika Sherawat in the role of a Haryanvi girl. “The pairing is fresh and interesting and the teasers and the song has already caught on,” adds another insider.

Meanwhile, soon-to-be-dad, Vivek who is also busy with his films Grand Masti and Zilla Ghaziababad at the moment refuses to indulge in talks of comparisons between him and Abhay. “Vivek holds Abhay in great regard, but finds the comparisons of his film KLPD with Abhay’s ECKLL, uncalled for,” says a source.