By: Vibhuti Pathak
Bollywood fans have a reason to celebrate as director Prakash Jha has officially confirmed the development of Raajneeti 2, the sequel to his acclaimed 2010 political thriller.
The announcement comes as the original film marks its 15th anniversary, reigniting excitement among audiences eager to revisit the world of political intrigue and power struggles that made Raajneeti a blockbuster.
In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Prakash Jha revealed that the script for Raajneeti 2 is currently in progress and that the casting process has begun.
While details about the full cast and shooting schedule remain under wraps, Jha assured fans that the sequel is very much on the cards. “Raajneeti (politics) ki yatra toh anvarat (constant) hai, chalti hi rehti hai, there’s always been a plan for ‘Raajneeti 2’. While there is nothing concrete in terms of casting and shooting yet, I am currently working on it,” Jha stated.
The original Raajneeti, released in 2010, was lauded for its gripping narrative and stellar ensemble cast, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Ajay Devgn, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee, Nana Patekar, and Naseeruddin Shah.
The film, co-written by Anjum Rajabali and Prakash Jha, drew inspiration from the Mahabharata, weaving a tale of rival political families and the ruthless quest for power. Its modern take on classic themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, cementing its place as a landmark political drama in Bollywood.
Reflecting on the making of Raajneeti, Jha shared, “The film’s pre-production went on for a year. We cast 8,000 actors for an authentic crowd scene, which was quite a task. The good thing about casting was that whoever we approached liked the script and came on board. They felt challenged to perform well. People say it was a commercial success.”
With Raajneeti 2, Jha aims to build upon the legacy of the original, promising a fresh narrative that resonates with contemporary political realities while retaining the intensity and drama that defined the first film. While fans eagerly await confirmation of the returning cast, expectations are high that stars like Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif will reprise their pivotal roles.
The announcement of Raajneeti 2 has already generated significant buzz in the industry, with social media abuzz with speculation about the plot and cast. As the original film celebrates its 15th anniversary, the prospect of a sequel offers fans a chance to revisit the high-stakes world of political power plays and moral dilemmas.