Riteish Deshmukh replaces Kapil Sharma in YRF's 'Bank-Chor'

Mumbai: 'Ek Villain' star Riteish Deshmukh has replaced comedian Kapil Sharma in Yash Raj Films' upcoming comedy 'Bank-Chor'.

Sharma, best known for his chat show 'Comedy Nights With Kapil', had a three-film contract with YRF and was slated to star in 'Bank-Chor', but the production house recently announced that he was no longer a part of the movie.

The film is scheduled to go on floors immediately and is planned for an early 2015 release.

Riteish, 36, has done a number of comedy films such as 'Grand Masti', 'Kya Super Cool Hai Hum', 'Housefull' and 'Humshakals'. He earned critical acclaim for his villainous turn recently in 'Ek Villain'.

"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," Riteish said in a statement.

"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.

'Bank-Chor' is a comic-caper, that tells the story of three people trying to rob a bank ,who pick the worst day possible when everything that can go wrong, goes wrong and how they are inadvertently caught in the crossfire of cops, industrialists and corrupt leaders.

'Bank-Chor' will be directed by Bumpy and produced by Ashish Patil.