MUMBAI: The sequel to the 2010 blockbuster Once Upon A Time In Mumbai is being readied for release on the Eid next year.

With a huge cast comprising Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan, Sonakshi Sinha and Sonali Bendre, the Milan Luthria-directed film, produced by Balaji Motion , is expected to release in 2500 plus screens nationwide.

And while a survey touted the sequel to be among the most anticipated sequel, the makers have decided on the film‘s nationwide release on Eid given its enormous stature and scale. Interestingly, the film‘s four leads play Muslim characters in the film.

Observes Milan Luthria, "The film-going public can celebrate this festival next year with the unexpected combo of Akshay Kumar and Imran Khan who are terrific together, along with Sonakshi Sinha and Sonali Bendre, all of whom are playing flamboyant Muslim characters. We‘ve already recorded a brilliant Sufi qawwali and there‘s lots more.... mainly.... Entertainment... Entertainment... and Entertainment!‘

Adds producer Ekta Kapoor, "Once Upon A Time In Mumbai our biggest project and among the most keenly awaited tent-poles of 2013. Everything about the film - its size, set-up, music, release and marketing are going to be larger than life. Eid is the best time to release this runaway mass entertainer!‘

A part of the film has already been shot in Muscat (Oman) while the remainder will be shot on real locations in Mumbai.