Anil Kapoor reportedly buys rights to Nayak, eyes a sequel
Fans of the 2001 political drama Nayak may finally get the follow-up they’ve been asking for. Bollywood Hungama reports that Anil Kapoor has acquired the rights to the film and is said to be planning a sequel. The original movie, which later attained cult status despite a modest box-office run, has stayed close to Kapoor’s heart for years.
What the source says
A source told Bollywood Hungama that producer Deepak Mukut previously held the rights to Nayak and that Anil Kapoor has now bought them. “He plans to hold the rights as it’s a film close to his heart. Also, he aspires to make a sequel to it,” the source said, adding that Kapoor believes the story has “tremendous potential for a second part.”
Bollywood Hungama reached out to Deepak Mukut for confirmation, but he was unavailable for comment.
Background on the rights
In a March 2024 interview with Bollywood Hungama, Deepak Mukut had confirmed that he acquired rights from Nayak’s original producer A.S. Rathnam and mentioned holding negative rights to a few other titles as well. He said he procured these rights about ten years ago.
Why Nayak still matters
- Topical story: Written and directed by Shankar, Nayak follows a fearless television reporter who becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a day and uses that 24-hour window to push sweeping changes. The film’s themes about media, governance and accountability remain relevant.
- Cult following: Though it wasn’t a massive hit when it released, the film has gathered a loyal fanbase over the years and is often cited among Anil Kapoor’s memorable performances.
- Potential for modern update: The subject lends itself to a contemporary retelling or continuation, especially given current political and media landscapes.
Cast and memorable elements from the original
Nayak featured a strong ensemble alongside Anil Kapoor, including Rani Mukerji, the late Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Johny Lever, Shivaji Satam, and Neena Kulkarni. Pooja Batra made a cameo appearance, and Sushmita Sen featured in a song. Shankar’s direction and the film’s political premise helped the film stand out at the time.
What could Nayak 2 look like?
If Anil Kapoor is serious about developing a sequel, there are several directions the project could take: a direct continuation that revisits the characters and promises of the first film, a modern reinterpretation focusing on today’s politics and media, or even a fresh story inspired by the original’s premise but adapted for a new generation.
The reported purchase of rights is the first concrete step. Casting, crew, script development and official confirmations will determine how quickly the project moves from idea to reality. For now, fans can take heart that the actor most associated with the role appears intent on bringing Nayak back to the screen.
Final note
For years, audiences have clamoured for a sequel, and if these latest reports are true, we may finally see Nayak return — this time with Anil Kapoor steering the ship from the other side of the camera as rights-holder and creative advocate. Stay tuned for official announcements and further developments.