Nayak 2 CONFIRMED: Anil Kapoor Turns Producer For Sequel

The cult classic political drama finally gets its sequel; Anil Kapoor to star and co-produce alongside Deepak Mukut.

Twenty-five years after he fired 30,000 corrupt officials in a single day, Shivaji Rao is coming back. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, producer Deepak Mukut officially confirmed that the long-awaited sequel to the 2001 cult classic Nayak: The Real Hero is officially in development.

The announcement comes following reports that Anil Kapoor has recently secured the intellectual property rights for the film, marking his commitment to what he calls a “legacy project.”

The Sequel: What We Know So Far

Anil Kapoor’s Dual Role: Kapoor will not only reprise his iconic role as the journalist-turned-politician Shivaji Rao Gaekwad but will also serve as a co-producer.
Collaboration: Deepak Mukut (Soham Rockstar Entertainment) confirmed the partnership to Hindustan Times, stating, “He (Anil) and I are making the film together. It is too early to say anything about it since discussions are ongoing, but the sequel is definitely in the works.”
The Direction: While rumors suggest Anil Kapoor might make his directorial debut with this project, an official director is yet to be finalized. Earlier reports had linked names like Milan Luthria to the project, but the producers remain tight-lipped.
The Story: The sequel is expected to jump forward in time, exploring Shivaji’s life as a veteran leader navigating the complexities of modern digital transparency, social media’s influence on politics, and deep-rooted bureaucracy.

The ‘Nayak’ Legacy: A Retrospective

Released in September 2001, Nayak was a remake of director S. Shankar’s Tamil blockbuster Mudhalvan. While it saw a modest theatrical run—hampered by the global shock of the 9/11 attacks—it achieved legendary “cult status” through decades of television reruns.

Original Cast (2001)	Character	Status for Sequel
Anil Kapoor	Shivaji Rao	Confirmed
Rani Mukerji	Manjari	In Discussions
Amrish Puri	Balraj Chauhan	Iconic Antagonist (Late)
Paresh Rawal	Bansal	TBC
Johnny Lever	Topi	TBC

“I pursued director Shankar for this role after others passed on it,” Anil Kapoor recently recalled. “I knew it was special, but I had no clue it would become a household favorite for generations.”

Production Timeline

The makers have emphasized that the film will only go on floors once the script is “fully locked.”

Scripting: Currently in the final drafting stages.
Filming: Expected to begin by mid-2026.
Themes: Will shift focus from local grassroots reform to contemporary issues like digital governance and transparency.