Nayak 2 Confirmed: Anil Kapoor Turns Producer, Returns As Shivaji Rao After 25 Years

Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor is officially returning to one of his most iconic roles nearly 25 years after the original film’s release. The political drama Nayak: The Real Hero, which came out in 2001 and went on to achieve cult status, will now get a sequel titled Nayak 2, and Kapoor is not only starring in it but also stepping into the role of co-producer alongside filmmaker Deepak Mukut. 

Mukut, who previously owned the film’s copyright, confirmed that he and Kapoor are collaborating on the project, telling the Hindustan Times, “He (Anil) and I are making the film together. It is too early to say anything about it since several discussions are going on.” While many details remain under wraps at this stage — including the cast lineup, director, and production schedule — Mukut stressed that the sequel is officially underway. When asked if Anil Kapoor would reprise his original role onscreen, he responded emphatically, “Of course he will!” 

The original Nayak featured a strong ensemble cast including Rani Mukerji, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, and Johnny Lever, and was itself a Hindi remake of the Tamil film Mudhalvan. The story centred on Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, a television cameraman who unexpectedly takes over as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a day after challenging the incumbent leader, using the brief tenure to expose corruption and instigate reforms — a narrative that resonated widely with audiences.

Back in 2021, during the film’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Kapoor revealed that he wasn’t the first choice for the role; both Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan had passed on it before he pursued director Shankar to secure the part — a decision he has said he still cherishes.

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