2019 saw Sanjay Dutt portraying strong characters in films like Kalank, Panipat, and Prasthanam. While all three failed to live to the expectations at the box office, the actor received positive reviews for his acting. Gracing celluloid in a salt and pepper avatar, Sanjay Dutt will be seen exuding royalty onscreen with his characters. Sanjay Dutt has treated his audience with strong roles that command attention and authority.

The actor was last seen playing the role of Afghan leader Ahmed Shah Abdali in Ashutosh Gowariker's magnum opus Panipat. The film depicted the Third Battle of Panipat fought between the Afghan and Maratha army. He locked horns with Arjun Kapoor who played the role of Maratha leader Sadashiv Rao Bhau in the film, while Kriti Sanon played his wife Parvati Bai. The film received a lukewarm response from the audience and performed below expectations at the box office.