‘Munna Bhai 3’: Rajkumar Hirani and Farhad Samji Join Forces Again For The Long-Awaited Film (EXCLUSIVE)

Farhad Samji is currently writing Rajkumar Hirani’s “Munna Bhai 3," Variety India has learnt. The development brings Samji back into the world of a franchise he has been associated with since its first instalment, “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” (2003). Samji has penned the opening refrain of the popular song “M Bole Toh”.

Samji’s association with the franchise began with a late-night call from composer Anu Malik. In a previous interview, the writer recalled receiving a call around 10:00 PM. Malik asked him to prepare a mukhda (opening verse) for a music session the following day with director Rajkumar Hirani and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Samji was informed that Shah Rukh Khan was being considered for the lead role, and that the song needed to balance the character’s tapori (street slang) language with the actor’s established screen image

Although Shah Rukh Khan was initially considered, Sanjay Dutt ultimately took on the role of Munna Bhai. The song, however, remained a defining part of the film’s identity and marked the beginning of a creative connection between Samji and Hirani. 

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In a conversation with Variety India, the Rajkumar Hirani had spoken about developing a “Munna Bhai”. Hirani reiterated that the project was in development, adding that he did not want to make a sequel unless he was satisfied with the script. So he brought Samji on board to write the script as needed someone with a fresh voice on the franchise. 

Samji has spoken about considering Hirani an idol and receiving encouragement from the filmmaker in his days. Their professional association also extends to Samji’s involvement in “Pritam and Pedro” should not be confused with the series’ officially listed dialogue-writing credits.

“Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” introduced audiences to Sanjay Dutt’s Munna and Arshad Warsi’s Circuit in 2003. The duo returned in “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” (2006), which moved the characters into a story centred on Gandhian principles. A third film has remained in discussion for years, with Hirani repeatedly emphasising that the script must meet his expectations before it moves ahead.

Samji will finish writing the film shortly. And the film is scheduled to go on the floors in 2027.