Filmmaker Subhash Ghai plans a cop character for Salman Khan in Sanjay Dutt's Khalnayak Returns

Sanjay Dutt in the film’s first look; (right) Salman Khan. Pics/Instagram, Yogen Shah

When Sanjay Dutt and filmmaker Subhash Ghai announced ‘Khalnayak Returns', the sequel to their 1993 hit ‘Khalnayak', in April, the prospect of seeing the popular anti-hero Ballu's journey unfold was enough reason for fans to look forward to the project. Now, there might just be a star-studded addition to the cast. Insiders have told mid-day that Ghai - who directed the original and is a creative consultant on the second instalment - and the writers' team have developed a cop character with Salman Khan in mind.

An insider revealed, "The role impacts the narrative. The idea is that the cop, a good Samaritan, will help Sanjay's character. Who better than Salman to play this helpful character? The casting is not locked yet as the script is still being developed."

Subhash Ghai

If Khan comes on board, it will be the superstar's second project with Ghai after ‘Yuvvraaj' (2008).

When mid-day contacted Ghai about the development, he said, "It's too early to say anything. The scripting is still on, and once we have a complete script, we will know where we stand."