'Hope for more films in Dabangg series'

Mumbai: Sonakshi Sinha says working on Dabangg 3 is like homecoming for her and she hopes the cop drama franchise keeps booming.

The actor, who started work on the third film led by Salman Khan last week, says she is happy that the series has gained a cult status.

"It is great to be back to Dabangg series. I hope it continues to be made. It is first of its kind that came in 2010. It started a new trend in films. It is a cult film. It can be continued for a long time," Sonakshi said.

Filmmaker Joe Russo, who was recently in India to promote the MCU's much-awaited superhero ensemble, Avengers: Endgame, also praised the Dabangg series for its camera work, tone and energy.

Sonakshi, 31, is reprising her role as Rajjo in the third Dabangg film and she says the character is very close to her heart as she made her acting debut with the film.

"Rajjo is in my blood, I can play Rajjo in my sleep too. We have just started shooting, I joined the team for the title song," she says.

"When a film works, the character also works. The 'thappad se darr nahin lagta...' dialogue worked a lot for me. Till today, people ask me to say it. It is great for a heroine to have a dialogue that has become iconic," she adds.

There were reports Dabangg 3 would be a prequel to the two films, but Sonakshi says the new movie has both the elements of past and present.