In a significant development for fans of the cult classic, producer Deepak Mukut has finally broken his silence on the swirling rumours about the much-anticipated sequel to the 2001 political drama, Nayak: The Real Hero. Contrary to reports suggesting he sold the film's rights to actor Anil Kapoor, Mukut has firmly dismissed the speculation, confirming the project is a collaborative effort.
Clarifying the Collaboration
Speaking exclusively to Bombay Times, Mukut addressed the chatter head-on. He stated that there has been no standalone transfer of rights to Kapoor. Instead, the sequel is being developed jointly by both parties. "I won't be able to talk much but I can only say that we are doing it together," Mukut revealed. He added that while the team is fine with the rumours, the truth is that they are partnering on this venture, which is currently under process with an announcement expected shortly.
A Legacy Project Returns
Emphasising the cultural weight of the original film, Mukut described the sequel as a legacy project. It has been nearly 25 years since the S. Shankar-directed film hit the screens. "Every film has its own destiny. When the time comes, it happens. And we realised it is a good time to do it now," the producer explained. He stressed the emotional connection audiences have with the story of Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, the common man who becomes Chief Minister for a day and fights corruption.
Proceeding with Caution
When questioned about the timeline for Nayak 2, Mukut made it clear that the makers are treading carefully, respecting the original's stature. "Once the script is locked. Nayak is a big legacy so we will only go on floors when everything is fixed," he said. The team is aiming to commence production this year, but only after all creative elements are perfectly aligned.
The original Nayak, an official remake of Shankar's Tamil blockbuster Mudhalvan (1999), starred Anil Kapoor in the iconic lead role, supported by Rani Mukerji, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, and Johnny Lever. Over the years, the film has garnered a massive cult following. While talks of a sequel have surfaced periodically, the issue of rights ownership has often been ambiguous, with neither side previously clarifying the legal details. For now, Mukut's statement puts the collaboration in the spotlight, promising an official reveal once the groundwork is thoroughly complete.
