"Sonu has categorically stated that he isn't doing 'Dabangg 2' since the character written for him wasn't as powerful as Cheddi Singh. For the last six months there have been so many speculations about him being in and out of the film. However Sonu is now sick and tired of these rumours and wishes to quash them for good. For the record, he is not doing 'Dabangg 2'. It is final and there would be absolutely no change in his stance,” informs a friend of the actor.

Though Salman is currently in Cuba shooting for 'Ek Tha Tiger', the onus is now on Arbaaz Khan to get his plan B into action.

"It's a matter of time that a new name is announced for the young villain in 'Dabangg 2',” a source adds.

“While Prakash Raj is the main villain, there is requirement for the second villain as well since the script already has place for such a character. With Sonu not doing the film, someone else has to fit in now. It is quite unlikely that this character would be done away in entirety since it is way too late in the day to make any amends to the script. After all, the film's shooting begins in March.”

Meanwhile Sonu has moved on and is busy promoting his next film Maximum where he is playing a solo lead. As for 'Dabangg 2', he maintains calm exterior and says, "No, I am not doing 'Dabangg 2'. I wanted to do the film but the script couldn't do justice to a character which was going to be a follow up to Cheddi Singh. I thought that it would work only if it is much stronger than the one in Dabangg 2. However it is a creative call that has been taken by the writer and the director."

While this means that the makers have to now rope in an actor to step into a part that is presumably 'weaker' than the one which was seen in 'Dabangg', Sonu is maintaining the stance of 'all is well'.