Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has revealed that he has sold the rights of his 1993 hit Khal Nayak, starring Sanjay Dutt, for its expansion into a cinematic universe. He also confirmed that he won’t helm the second part
A still from ‘Khal Nayak’
Whether in the 1990s or today, the idea of a morally grey character whose circumstances compel him to choose the wrong path persists in Hindi cinema. That explains why Subhash Ghai’s movie Khal Nayak (1993) is relevant even 32 years after its release. Not just that, its central character Ballu — essayed by Sanjay Dutt in one of his career-defining roles — might just have a future. mid-day has exclusively learnt that a sequel to Khal Nayak is being planned, with a top production house having acquired the exclusive derivative rights, along with the IPR and derivative rights of the new film in perpetuity for the entire film universe.
Also starring Madhuri
Dixit-Nene and Jackie Shroff, the 1993 blockbuster, followed two police officers in pursuit of the escaped convict Ballu, who, in the end, turned himself in. No prizes for guessing that Dutt will reprise his role in the upcoming sequel. We’re told he will be joined by new characters. A source revealed, “The movie ended with Ballu being sentenced to life imprisonment. In the second instalment, Sanjay’s character will take the story forward with young actors. After Khal Nayak’s success, it was remade in Telugu, Tamil, and Punjabi. This time, the idea is to make the sequel in Hindi as well as other languages.”
Subhash Ghai
Even as it expands to a franchise, a bigger plan is in the works. Taking a cue from Bollywood’s spy and cop universe, the makers are keen to turn Khal Nayak into a cinematic universe. “It will include stories of heroic antagonists like Ballu, who was a victim of his situation,” added the source.
When mid-day reached out to Ghai, he confirmed the development, but was tight-lipped about the studio that acquired the rights. “The studio making the sequel will make an announcement on October 21. I cannot say much about it. But yes, a sequel to Khal Nayak is being planned,” he said.
Madhuri Dixit-Nene
He clarified that he won’t return to the director’s chair. “I’m not directing it as I’m 80 years old. I can guide them creatively. Sanjay Dutt will act in the sequel. We have a lot of IPs, and many studios are approaching us for remakes and sequels. We decided to give the IP rights for this one.” If Ballu will return in the second instalment, can we expect Dixit’s Ganga to make a comeback too? Ghai was cryptic about it as he said, “I cannot reveal that.”
Think ‘Khal Nayak’ and you immediately think of its chartbuster ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’. Will the song feature in the sequel? Subhash Ghai shared, “As the rights include script, characters, plot, story, title, dialogues and music for the sequel, Khal Nayak’s songs can be used in the second part if they want.”
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