Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has compared the iconic bond between Munna and Circuit from the Munnabhai franchise to the Ram-Hanuman relationship, highlighting unwavering loyalty. He also confirmed that a third installment will be made as soon as a compelling story is developed. Hirani made these remarks while discussing his upcoming web series Pritam and Pedro, which reunites him with actor Arshad Warsi, who played Circuit.
Munna-Circuit as Ram-Hanuman
Hirani explained that Circuit was conceived as a symbol of absolute devotion, akin to Hanuman's loyalty to Ram. “It's like Sherlock and Watson, whatever Sherlock wants to say he needs a friend to say that... So, this character was written like if Munna has something to say, there is a gang but he (Circuit) is his loyal friend. We had, in our heads, thought Circuit is like Hanuman, and he (Munna) is Ram for him. He won't ask questions, if Bhai has said it, he will do it, no questioning,” he said in an interview.
Arshad Warsi on Circuit's Appeal
Warsi summed up the character's enduring popularity: “Everybody wants a Circuit in their life. Even I want one.” Reflecting on his initial meeting with Hirani, Warsi said he was drawn to the director's storytelling sensibility. “I loved the story of what he narrated to me. I was like I wish I would do Munnabhai's role, it's such a nice role. I think there is so much of heart in this man... first impression (about Hirani) was, he is a great guy, great sensibility, writes a beautiful story, that was enough for me (to do the film),” Warsi added.
Casting Evolution: From Shah Rukh Khan to Sanjay Dutt
Hirani revealed that the casting for Munnabhai MBBS (2003) underwent significant changes. Initially, Shah Rukh Khan was considered for Munna and Makrand Deshpande for Circuit, but delays led to Deshpande's departure due to his directorial commitments. Eventually, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi were cast. Hirani, who had followed Warsi's work since his 1996 debut Tere Mere Sapne, was initially unsure if the actor would accept the sidekick role. “I was very keen if he did it because I thought it would be fun. I still remember the day he came and agreed to it,” Hirani said.
Improvisation and Quirky One-Liners
Hirani admitted initial surprise at Warsi's improvisations, which included the now-famous “Hakka noodles” line. “I remember the first shot and the flair with which he did it, I thought he was doing something wrong because there is no laughter in the script. Then after two or three shots, I discovered he was actually bringing something of his own to it,” Hirani recalled. Encouraged, he asked Warsi to create similar quirky names, leading to a doctor being called “dispensary.”
Munnabhai 3: Still in Development
Fans have long awaited a third Munnabhai film, which has only seen a trailer but no full script. Hirani assured that he is eager to revisit the characters. “If you ask me, one film which I most want to do is Munnabhai because, more than any other film, these are the most lovable characters. I've always admired them,” he said. He added that co-star Sanjay Dutt is equally keen: “Sanju wants to do it and with so much of love and affection, he keeps calling and keeps calling. It will happen someday.”
Over the years, plot ideas such as Munna Bhai Chale America and Munna Bhai LLB have been explored, but a final script remains elusive. “I've also given it to other writers to write. So, at this moment, they are also sitting and writing. So, someday, if we crack the story, then the very first thing that I'll make will be this (Munnabhai 3),” Hirani said.
Pritam and Pedro: Hirani's OTT Debut
Hirani's son Vir Hirani will make his acting debut in Pritam and Pedro, a cybercrime comedy-thriller that also marks the director's foray into OTT. Hirani serves as creator and producer. The series, directed by Avinash Arun (Paatal Lok, Three of Us), is set to premiere on July 3 on JioHotstar.
