Bollywood was rather surprised when the news of Rowdy Rathore 2 unexpectedly surfaced a few days ago. The reports claimed that Sidharth Malhotra was in talks to star in the sequel to the blockbuster 2012 action entertainer, replacing Akshay Kumar, who played a double role in the Prabhu Deva directorial. Then it was revealed that Anees Bazmee, who delivered one of the biggest blockbusters last year with Kartik Aaryan, Tabu, and Kiara Advani in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, had been brought on board to direct it. Before one could fully process these developments, rumours started coming in that Sidharth had turned down the film (in which the character Rathore is a cop) due to his commitment to Rohit Shetty to stay exclusive to his cop universe for the coming two years.
However, a source close to the producers had an entirely different story to tell. PeepingMoon.com exclusively learned that Rowdy Rathore 2 is in the works, and Anees Bazmee will direct it. But the casting and the rest of the details about the film are just speculation. The film is still being written, and the makers have merely settled on the basic concept. It wouldn’t make sense to lock in an actor so early when casting is still a long way off. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shabina Khan have not yet offered this film to anyone, and it won’t be happening anytime soon either. Most importantly, the source said, “The Rowdy Rathore sequel might very likely star Akshay Kumar, and why would anyone think of not casting him? But even he hasn’t been offered the film yet, given that the script is not yet finished.”
PeepingMoon.com further learned that Sidharth reportedly got to know about Rowdy Rathore 2 through his wife, Kiara Advani, who shares a good rapport with Anees Bazmee. It is not certain if the actor put himself forward for the film, and conversations with Bazmee and Bhansali followed, which didn’t work out and the chapter was closed. But despite reports in the media, Sidharth hadn’t rejected the film because it was not offered to him in the first place. “It’s someone’s PR aggressively spreading false information,” the source alleged.
The makers are aiming to take this project to the floor by mid-next year. Bazmee is committed to other projects, and only after finishing them will he shift his attention to Rowdy Rathore 2. The filmmaker is next making an action comedy with Shahid Kapoor, which is currently in pre-production and will get off the ground around July or August. He might direct one more film in between before starting the Rowdy Rathore sequel. “Rowdy Rathore was a huge blockbuster and the makers don’t want to go ahead with the sequel without a proper script with a strong narrative that justifies the first part. The scripting is going on in full swing, and the makers will start approaching actors as soon as the final draft is locked. Akshay Kumar will obviously be their first choice, but only time will tell if the film actually happens with him or someone else,” the source added.
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