Anil Kapoor may have bought rights to Nayak — fans hope for Nayak 2
One of Anil Kapoor’s most talked-about films, Nayak (2001), could finally be getting a sequel. Bollywood Hungama reports that Kapoor has bought the rights to the film — a move that raises fresh hopes for a follow-up to the political drama that became a cult classic over the years.
What the reports say
A source told Bollywood Hungama that “Producer Deepak Mukut… held the rights to Nayak. It is said that Anil Kapoor has bought the rights from him. He plans to hold the rights as it’s a film close to his heart. Also, he aspires to make a sequel to it. He is fully aware of the love he has garnered for the film over the years and he also is of the belief that the subject of Nayak has tremendous potential for a second part.”
Bollywood Hungama reached out to Deepak Mukut for confirmation, but he was unavailable for comment.
Background: how the rights changed hands
In a March 2024 interview with Bollywood Hungama, Deepak Mukut had said, “I got the rights from Nayak’s producer, Mr A S Rathnam. I also have the negative rights to his other films like Tejasvini (1994), Dil Hi Dil Mein (1999), etc. It was 10 years ago that I procured these rights.” If the new report is accurate, Anil Kapoor has now acquired those rights from Mukut.
Why Nayak still matters
Directed by Shankar, Nayak starred Anil Kapoor as a fearless reporter who becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a day and sparks sweeping changes in 24 hours. The film also featured Rani Mukerji, the late Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Johny Lever, Shivaji Satam and Neena Kulkarni. Pooja Batra had a cameo and Sushmita Sen appeared in a song.
Though it didn’t set the box office on fire at release, Nayak earned a lasting reputation and a devoted fanbase over time. That enduring love is why calls for a sequel have never really faded.
Could Nayak 2 actually happen?
With Anil Kapoor reportedly owning the rights, the chances of a sequel look stronger. Holding rights gives him creative control and the ability to shepherd a follow-up project. At the FICCI Frames 2025 event, Anil reportedly reacted to a playful political comment by saying, “The timing couldn’t be BETTER for Nayak 2,” which only added fuel to fan excitement.
Still, several pieces need to fall into place: a director (Shankar’s return would be a major talking point), a script that honors the original while updating its themes for today’s politics and media landscape, and the availability of key cast and producers. Fans will also watch closely to see if the sequel aims for the same idealistic tone or takes a grittier, contemporary route given how politics and public discourse have evolved since 2001.
What fans can expect next
- Official confirmation — production houses or Anil Kapoor would likely announce plans once contracts and creative teams are final.
- Speculation on the creative team — whether Shankar or a new director will lead the project and how the story will be updated.
- Potential casting — returning faces or fresh additions, depending on the narrative direction.
For now, the news that Anil Kapoor may have acquired the rights is enough to reignite enthusiasm. If Nayak 2 does move forward, it will carry big expectations — both as a sequel to a beloved film and as a politically charged drama in today’s cinema landscape. Fans will be watching closely for official word and early developments.
