Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in the race to play Ballu Balram for Subhash Ghai's Khalnayak 2?

Bollywood's Showman Subhash Ghai has completed writing the sequel to his movie ‘Khalnayak’ from 1993.  The original film starred big names like Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, and Anupam Kher, and became famous not just for its storyline but also for its catchy songs and controversies, particularly around the song ‘Choli Ke Peechay Kya Hai’.

Over 30 years later, Subhash Ghai is ready to bring the story back to the big screen but with a fresh face for the character of Ballu Balram, originally played by Sanjay Dutt. While it’s still unclear whether Sanjay Dutt will return in any capacity, the director is on the lookout for a young and vibrant actor to take on this challenging role in 'Khalnayak 2'.

The buzz is that Ghai has his eyes on some of the top talents from both Bollywood and the southern film industry. High on his wish list are Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor. Both actors are known for their dynamic acting skills and have a history of pulling off complex roles, making them strong contenders.

But Subhash Ghai’s search doesn’t stop at Bollywood. He’s also considering popular actors from the south like Allu Arjun and Yash. This move shows Ghai’s intent to possibly blend different cinematic styles and fanbases from across Indian cinema.

Last year, the cast of the original ‘Khalnayak’ gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film, reminiscing about the impact it had at the time of its release. The film not only stood out for its storyline and performances but also left a mark with its music, which remains popular. The song ‘Choli Ke Peechay Kya Hai’ was even reimagined in a recent 2024 film titled ‘Crew’.

As for ‘Khalnayak 2’, it seems Ghai is taking his time to ensure the casting is perfect, understanding the need to match or even exceed the expectations set by the original film. Fans of the original will no doubt be eager to see who finally lands the role of Ballu Balram and how the sequel will connect with the legacy of ‘Khalnayak’.