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Mumbai: In a major development in the Hindi film industry, Sanjay Dutt is set to reprise his iconic role as Ballu in the much-anticipated sequel to Subhash Ghai-directed Khalnayak (1993). Titled Khalnayak Returns, the project was officially announced by the actor with a teaser reveal that left audiences at the event stunned.

Dutt revealed that the idea of Khalnayak Returns took shape during his time in jail, where he informally surveyed fellow inmates about their interest in a sequel. He said, “I asked my fellow inmates, who would want to watch Khalnayak if it was made again? All four thousand of them said in unison that they’d watch it. I asked them to write ideas.” And they did.

“After going through nearly 4,000 pages of story ideas, one thought stood out,” Dutt shared, adding, “I called Sir (Subhash ji) when I came out on parole and shared that thought with him. He also got excited that this story should be made.”

Ghai, who was present at the announcement, said, “He wrote a small letter to me from jail, saying that he’s been living well because all he hears around him is Khalnayak. He sent me a small audio clip, which I still have. When I sensed that passion in that clip, I felt that we must make this film.”

He further revealed, “I told the producer that I’ll always be with him whenever he needs me. I’ll help with the writing and the music as much as I can, and also help build the entire ecosystem for the project. But he has ensured that the new director is of a certain calibre to helm the project.”

Dutt, in turn, acknowledged the significant role being played by the filmmaker in the making of the film. “Subhash ji is the guide and mentor for this film. Without him, this film wouldn’t be possible to make.”

The actor’s wife, Maanayata Dutt, has watched Khalnayak many times. She said, “It is one of my favourite movies. In fact, when Sanju showed me a little bit of the teaser, I told him, ‘Let’s watch Khalnayak again tonight’.”

She noted that the original film coincided with a turbulent period in her husband’s life as an actor. She said, “When Khalnayak was released, Sanju was going through a bad phase in his life when he was incarcerated. The story of a soft-hearted person trapped in certain circumstances mirrored his reality. He told me that he didn’t know how people and the audience would take to him after returning from jail. Khalnayak became an iconic film and an important part of his journey and career.”

Dutt concluded the announcement stated that the script is the hero of the film and the film will go on floors once the script right meets their expectations.