Riteish Deshmukh Replaces Kapil Sharma in Yash Raj's 'Bank Chor'

Riteish Deshmukh, who recently made headlines with his tremendous performance in "Ek Villain" has replaced comedian Kapil Sharma in Yash Raj's upcoming comedy flick "Bank Chor".

Last week, the production house that had signed a three-film contract with the host of "Comedy Nights with Kapil," sent out an official announcement that the comedy king would no longer be a part of the film. 

While Deshmukh has successfully proved his comic timing with films such as "Grand Masti", "Kya Super Cool Hai Hum", "Housefull" and "Humshakals", his villainous role in "Ek Villain" too earned him positive feedback.

"Loved the script. Loved the character. Loved the team. I've always liked to push the envelope with the choices I make. This film allows me to potentially rip it apart. Watch out there is a new 'Bank-Chor' in town," Times of India quoted Deshmukh as saying. 

The production house too appears to be extremely pleased with the alliance. 

"Riteish is one of the most exciting actors of today. From villainy to action in his upcoming 'Lai Bhaari', there is nothing he can't do! And with 'Bank Chor', Riteish is in a zone that is a serious strength – comedy! He adds the scale, madness and weight that this project deserves. The audiences are in for one hell of a ride now," said Ashish Patil, Business & Creative Head, Youth Films, Brand Partnerships & Talent Management at Yash Raj Films.

A crime comedy, "Bank Chor" is based on the story of three people trying to rob a bank. However, the three choose the worst day possible for the robbery and get trapped in the crossfire of cops, corrupt political leaders and industrialists.

Directed by Bumpy and produced by Ashish Patil, "Bank-Chor" is scheduled to start shooting immediately and is likely to hit  theatres in early 2015.

Meanwhile, Sharma being dropped from the project has raised numerous questions. He is said to have delayed the shoot for the film, as he is busy shooting episodes for his TV show "Comedy Nights With Kapil."

Another possible reason could be the fact that the entire cast of the film has not yet been finalized yet. Some reports suggest that Nargis Fakhri had been approached for the lead actress in the film but she turned down the offer citing date issues.