Sajid to make full-on actioner next

Mumbai, Sep 10 (IANS) Director Sajid Khan has refuted all rumours about him making a sequel to 'Heyy Babyy', and says his next venture will be an action-packed movie.

'I'm not making a sequel to 'Heyy Babyy'. When I saw the announcement on television, I said okay this is what I am doing. In fact, while we were shooting for the film in Australia, the idea of a sequel had come up. I said the film will work big time. But I knew I wouldn't want to do a sequel,' Sajid told IANS.

'I want to make an actioner next. I've lived with this idea for very long. In fact, this is the film I wanted to make first. But then the 'Heyy Babyy' idea came up. I've been writing sequences for it in my head. And now I've to make it,' added Sajid.

The film will require a gigantic budget, but Sajid isn't worried because he has the support of Sajid Nadiadwala.

'Maybe I'm getting too ambitious. But I want to make a spectacular actioner, budget being no constraint. But I've a generous producer Sajid Nadiadwala.'

The TV anchor-turned-director is sure he wants to make it big.

'I wouldn't want to make a film that I can be happy watching on television. With due respect, I wouldn't pay Rs.400 to watch 'Bheja Fry' in a theatre. My films have to treat spectacle with dignity. You've to take cinematic liberties. The minute the heroes start singing a song, realism is thrown out of the window. Everyone from James Cameron to Sajid Khan takes cinematic liberties.'

Belying the belief that second films are far tougher than the first, Sajid says his next will be easier.

'I'm a far more mature director now. And I can afford to take it easy for a while. I'll start the film when I'm ready. The only thing I need to do right now is to shed all the weight that I have gained. So I'm concentrating on losing weight and on fitting on the small screen.'

He is now taking a sabbatical from the large screen to return to his first love - television.

'I've missed television so much! Of course, I continued my countdown show 'Ikke Pe Ikka' on Zee. It is like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' at Maratha Mandir. But now after 'Heyy Babyy', I'm hosting two film-based shows on two different channels. I'm also doing live events and judging a dance show. I've missed television.'