Mumbai, Sep 5 (IANS): Director Anees Bazme says his 2007 superhit "Welcome" was a "beautiful" film and making the sequel to it was not an easy task.

"Welcome Back", which released on Friday, held its premiere on the preceding night where most of the cast and crew members were present.

Addressing media persons then, Bazmee said: "This film is very special for us because we've made it after a film 'Welcome' which has been running on TV for the last seven years and which people love a lot. So making the sequel of such a beautiful film is not an easy task."

Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif from "Welcome" have been replaced by John Abraham and Shruti Haasan in the film and veteran actors Naseruddin Shah and Dimple Kapadia have been added to the starcast. But the storyline of two bhais, Anil Kapoor and Naseeruddin Shah looking for a groom for their sister stays constant, with more action scenes added into the plot.

"We've made substantial efforts and put in a lot of hardwork. I think we have made a beautiful film and people should consider it a good film. They'll get the feeling that watching this film was 'paisa vasool' (worth their money) for them. There's lot of fun and laughter. There is grandeur and the film has a massive starcast. We've made the film on a very big level. I'm hoping that people will love the film a lot," said Bazmee.

Bazmee's last big film "Ready" with Salman Khan was a big hit and he will be hoping that "Welcome Back" beats the collections of the film.