MUMBAI: Since the last couple of years, Salman Khan‘s films have been releasing around Eid. The exercise started with Wanted (2010), Dabangg (2010), Ready (2011) Bodyguard (2011) and the latest Ek Tha Tiger.

But not any more. His next Dabangg 2 is set for a Christmas release. It may be remembered that 23 years ago his first-ever blockbuster Maine Pyar Kiya released on 29 December, 1989. Dabangg 2 is set to hit theatres on 21 December.

It is said that Salman consciously decided to break the myth surrounding his Eid superstition. He believes that the content of Dabangg 2 is even better than that of the original, hence this is a play to defy the Eid release myth.

Said producer Arbaaz Khan in a statement, "There are four-five vital release periods in a year, which are important for any big film. Since our film will be ready by the year-end, we decided to release it during the Christmas period."

The sequel while retaining its lead pair Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha, has replaced Sonu Sood with Prakash Raj as the baddie chief.

The original was directed by Abhinav Kashyap, and was a big turning point in Salman‘s box-office fortune. Actor-turned-producer Arbaaz Khan has now taken the director‘s seat.