Lage Raho Munna Bhai turns 18: Almost two decades of waiting for Munna Bhai 3 and here's where we are right now

There are only a few movies that manage to achieve the kind of recall value that keeps audiences attached for decades, not just years. Even fewer films can hold their audience in a chokehold, making them wait eagerly for a sequel for years. Then there’s Munna Bhai 3, which has kept fans waiting for almost 20 years. The movie has gone through wild claims, wilder story ideas, and the wildest rumors, making it one of the most anticipated threequels since 2006. Almost everyone involved with the film has spoken about it, and fans have consumed every update as if their lives depend on it. Yet, nothing has flickered their hope, even with no concrete updates. As Lage Raho Munna Bhai celebrates its anniversary today, let’s look at the recent updates on the threequel. 

The Journey of Munna Bhai 3

For the uninitiated, Lage Raho Munna Bhai was released on September 1, 2006, and remains one of the most revered Bollywood movies ever. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film was a follow-up to Munna Bhai MBBS. It starred Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan, Boman Irani, Dilip Prabhawalkar, Jimmy Shergill, Dia Mirza, and an ensemble cast. Right after the release of the 2006 film, reports surfaced that a third installment was already in the works.

According to these reports, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani had begun working on the third film, tentatively titled Munna Bhai Chale America. But it never materialized, and nearly 20 years have passed without Munna Bhai 3 in sight. Recently, in May, Arshad Warsi spoke about the movie, revealing that Rajkumar Hirani has three scripts in place, though the delay continues.

Also read: Is Munna Bhai 3 on? Dunki director Rajkumar Hirani confirms he wants to make it and even has ideas - Here’s everything he said 

Arshad Warsi on Munna Bhai 3

In an interview with India TV in May 2024, Arshad Warsi discussed Munna Bhai 3 and expressed how everyone involved wants to make the third film in the franchise. The actor said, "Vidhu Vinod Chopra wants to make it. Rajkumar Hirani also wants it to be made, Sanjay Bhai also wants to do it, and I will do it too. But the film is not being made yet."

Warsi added, “Raju has three great scripts for the sequel. Some things are missing here and there. I don't think it's happening. Now a lot of time has passed. I told Raju that whatever begins also has an end. It seems we left the Munna Bhai film franchise at an interval. Everyone is impatient because it is not over yet. The Munna Bhai series needs to end.”

Rajkumar Hirani on Munna Bhai 3

Even Rajkumar Hirani has spoken about his desire to make Munna Bhai 3. While promoting his last directorial, Dunki, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Taapsee Pannu, the filmmaker shared his thoughts. He revealed how he wants to make the third film but isn’t sure when. “Meri aksar baat hoti rehti hai Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) se. Woh kehta hai ki ek banani chahiye. Abhi ye Dunki khatam hui hai toh ab main kholunga pitara purani kahaniyon ka. Man toh hai ki ek Munna Bhai aur banani hai par kab, woh mujhe abhi nahin pata. (Sanju and I often discuss Munna Bhai 3. He always says that we should make it. Now that Dunki is finished, I will go through my collection of old stories. I do want to make Munna Bhai 3, but I don’t know when.)”

We’ll have to wait and see if Rajkumar Hirani eventually returns to make Munna Bhai 3. Until then, you can rewatch Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. and Lage Raho Munna Bhai on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

Also Read: Dunki Review – Shah Rukh Khan’s magic meets Rajkumar Hirani’s world building only to migrate us to a cursed second half