Mallika Sherawat & Emraan Hashmi in Murder 2

The Bhatt brothers, Mahesh and Mukesh, are all set to start a sequel to Murder , but the hit pair of their 2004- blockbuster — Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat — are reluctant to work together in Murder 2 . Emraan “ dislikes” Mallika for walking away with all the credits for the success of Murder . And reports suggest that Mallika has sent out vibes that the serial kisser is too low- brow in stature for her, now that she is back from Hollywood.

Sources, however, say that Emraan will not challenge the Bhatt brothers’ decision, especially because he is currently reeling under consecutive flops like Tum Mile and Crook . Emraan was initially insistent that he would never work with Mallika. But his present box- office plight has forced him to change his stance, considering most of his hits have been produced by the Bhatts.

“ I am fine with whoever the producer and director signs. If they feel Mallika suits the role, I am fine with it,” he said recently.

Subsequent reports suggest that Mallika is almost final for the leading lady’s role. But the actress, it is heard, may not be keen to work with Emraan. Her much- hyped horror flick Hisss opens this Friday and depending on the boxoffice’s response to the film, Mallika could demand Emraan’s ouster from Murder 2 . Ever since Mallika came back from Los Angeles, she has been frequenting the offices of Vishesh Films — the production house of the Bhatts — in Juhu.

Mukesh Bhatt has even acknowledged that she “ is a strong contender” for the lead role in Murder 2. Mahesh has, in fact, gone a step further and tweeted :“ Malika is back ‘ home’! Her drive, her energy is unaffected!” The Bhatts are apparently waiting for the boxoffice response to Hisss before signing Mallika.

Nonetheless, the industry is abuzz with rumours that the Bhatts plan to make a major film announcement with Mallika soon, which may or may not be Murder 2 . “ If they can’t team Mallika with Emraan for Murder 2 , the Bhatts will anyway launch a new film with the Hisss girl this year,” a trade analyst, requesting anonymity, said.

Murder 2 will be directed by Mohit Suri, the blueeyed boy of the Bhatt camp despite the failure of Crook . So, will Emraan and Mallika make friends? If Hisss does well at the box office, the actress may dictate her terms. But if the horror flick fails to impress the audience, the nagin will have no option but to patch- up with the serial kisser.