Anil Kapoor in Nayak.
Credit: Sri Surya Movies
The legacy of Nayak is coming full circle as megastar Anil Kapoor looks for expansion. No longer just a highlight of his past, the 2001 cult classic is seeing a resurgence in interest. Insiders reveal that Anil Kapoor might soon return to the silver screen as the 'One-Day CM'.
While the film was originally produced by AS Rathnam, the rights were most recently held by Deepak Mukut, the producer of Sanam Teri Kasam. Insiders reveal that Anil Kapoor has since acquired those rights, fueling the rumour that he will soon start working on the sequel. He has a deep personal connection to the story, as his portrayal of Shivaji Rao Gaikwad took his fame to new heights.
Anil Kapoor sees the acquisition as a strategic foundation for a sequel, and is convinced that the film’s popularity proves there is a massive appetite for a second chapter.
The film featured an ensemble cast including Rani Mukerji, the late Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Johny Lever, Shivaji Satam and Neena Kulkarni. Pooja Batra appeared in a cameo, while Sushmita Sen made a special appearance in a song.
While the audience needs to wait for the official announcement, buzz regarding Nayak 2 has reignited excitement among fans who have long championed the film. This isn't just about bringing back a beloved character—it’s about reflecting a world that has grown even more complex since Shivaji Rao first took office for a day.
For now, the idea remains aspirational. But if Nayak does return, it won’t be driven by nostalgia alone, it will be shaped by relevance, timing and a political reality that feels more urgent today than it did back then.