For years, the rights to Nayak were held by producer Deepak Mukut (of Sanam Teri Kasam fame), who had originally procured them from the film’s first producer, A.M. Rathnam. However, recent reports from January 2026 confirm that Anil Kapoor has officially purchased these copyrights.
Sources close to the actor suggest that Nayak holds a deeply personal significance for him. Kapoor is not just looking at this as a business move; he reportedly believes the film’s themes of systemic reform and the power of the common man are more relevant today than they were two decades ago.
When Nayak was released in September 2001, it didn’t set the box office on fire. Its theatrical run was actually hampered by the global shock of the 9/11 attacks, which occurred just days after its release. However, its “second life” on television changed everything.
The idea of a journalist (Shivaji Rao) challenging a corrupt Chief Minister (played by the legendary Amrish Puri) and taking over his seat for 24 hours resonated with the masses. Much like Sooryavansham, Nayak became a staple on movie channels. Its high-octane action, sharp dialogues, and the “hero vs. system” trope turned it into a household favorite.
Anil Kapoor’s portrayal of Shivaji Rao is often cited as one of his career-best performances, capturing a perfect blend of vulnerability and fierce integrity.
While official plot details are being kept under wraps, the industry is buzzing with several exciting possibilities. There are strong rumors that Anil Kapoor might not just produce the film but also step behind the camera. If these reports hold true, the Nayak sequel could mark Anil Kapoor’s debut as a director, showing his commitment to the project’s vision.
The original film dealt with local corruption and grassroots reform. A sequel in 2026 would likely tackle contemporary issues like digital transparency, social media’s role in politics, and modern-day bureaucracy.
While Anil Kapoor will lead the charge, fans are curious about who could fill the massive void left by the late Amrish Puri, whose performance as Balraj Chauhan was arguably one of the greatest antagonist roles in Bollywood history. “I pursued director Shankar for this role after it was passed on by others. To this day, I am glad I did. We knew it was special, but we had no clue it would become a cult phenomenon.” — Anil Kapoor on the legacy of Nayak.
As of now, the project is in the early development and scripting stages. However, with the rights now firmly in Kapoor’s hands, the legal hurdles that often stall sequels have been removed. For a generation that grew up watching Shivaji Rao fire 30,000 corrupt officials in a single day, the return of the “Real Hero” is nothing short of a cinematic event. To know such latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
