MUMBAI: Balaji Motion Pictures’ sequel of blockbuster hit ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’ this year titled ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Again’ is all set for an Eid release. The film starring Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Imran Khan and Sonali Bendre in lead roles, is directed by Milan Luthria.

Its a well known fact that Bollywood’s ‘Dabangg’ Salman Khan has claimed an unsaid monopoly over the auspicious day of Eid, and makes sure he releases one film every year on the said date.

The trend has been going on since 2009, with Eid turning out to be quite the lucky charm for Salman. It started with ‘Wanted'(2009), then ‘Dabangg’ (2010) to ‘Bodyguard’ (2011), and finally ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ (2012).

For Salman Khan, this year’s mandatory Eid release was still being worked out, with reports suggesting that it would either be Nadiadwala’s ‘Kick’ or brother Sohail’s south remake. With no formal announcement from the Khan clan yet, it looks like the makers of ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Again’ have seized the chance to cash in on the lucky date.

Hoping the Eid magic will work for him too, reports say that actor Akshay Kumar has blocked the 2013 Eid weekend for the release of his ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbai 2’.

A source tells us that producer Ekta Kapoor is ecstatic. “She is extremely happy for getting hold of this date, as it could work wonders for the business of her film.”

So, what about fans of Salman Khan? Will they be let down this Eid?

We think not!

Even though team OUATIM has grabbed the day, we hear that Sohail Khan’s remake of Telugu film ‘Stalin’ tentatively titled ‘Mental’ is aiming for an Eid release too.

The question is, with Salman Khan’s recent trend of smashing the box office records, will ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Again’ be able to sustain? To add to the already hot milieu, rumours suggest that Rohit Shetty’s Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Chennai Express’ may also eye the auspicious Eid date.