Ajay Devgn is set to emerge as the undisputed king of franchise films over the next two years. With blockbuster franchises like ‘Golmaal,’ ‘Singham,’ ‘Drishyam,’ ‘Dhamaal,’ and ‘Raid’ under his belt, Devgn already holds the record for headlining the most successful film series in Indian cinema. That number is now growing further as Devgn’s last-year hit ‘Shaitaan,’ also featuring Jyotika, R. Madhavan, and Janki Bodiwala, is also being developed into a franchise following its remarkable box office performance in 2024.

PeepingMoon.com has exclusively learned that ‘Shaitaan 2’ has formally been scheduled for 2026 production. The sequel is expected to explore new facets of black magic, promising audiences another rollercoaster ride of devilish proportions. While the original film centered on a family’s desperate battle to save their daughter from possession orchestrated by the antagonist Vanraj, ‘Shaitaan 2’ will reportedly shift its setting to Konkan, a region in Maharashtra known as a hub for black magic practices. Contrary to speculations, the sequel will not be a remake of the Gujarati film ‘Vash Level 2’ (releasing in cinemas on August 27) but will instead chart an original narrative, elevating the franchise’s chilling premise.

Vikas Bahl will return to the director’s chair and will start preparing for the film after the release of his upcoming romantic comedy, ‘Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling,’ starring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaya Bachchan, and Swanand Kirkire in the lead. Aamil Keeyan Khan, who wrote the first part, has been developing the sequel since last year to ensure a fresh yet gripping continuation of the franchise and is believed to have nearly finished the scripting, with only minor refinements remaining.

Although the exact shooting timelines haven't been locked yet, the makers are eyeing commencing production in the first quarter of 2026. Ajay Devgn is set to shoot for ‘Drishyam 3’ in October 2025 and will subsequently move on to either ‘Shaitaan 2’ or Rohit Shetty’s ‘Golmaal 5,’ depending on which project is ready for production first.

‘Shaitaan 2’ will mark Devgn’s sixth upcoming franchise film. Others in his slate include ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ (July 25), ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ (November 14), ‘Dhamaal 4’ (Eid 2026), ‘Drishyam 3’ (October 2, 2026), and ‘Golmaal 5,’ which is expected to release in theatres in 2027. In addition to these consecutive sequels, he is also doing an original film, titled ‘Ranger,’ an action-adventure drama directed by ‘Mission Mangal’ fame Jagan Shakti.