Khalnayak Returns: Subhash Ghai on Sanjay Dutt's note from jail, why he won't direct

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has explained why he will not return to direct Khalnayak Returns, the sequel to his 1993 film Khalnayak, even though he remains involved with the project. Actor Sanjay Dutt announced the film at an event last week and said Ghai would not direct it, but would still be part of it.

In an interview with Bombay Times, Ghai said Dutt had wanted to make the sequel for years. He said, "Sanju was passionate about making this sequel for years. Even during his time in jail, he had written to me saying, 'Uncle, I want to make this film.' So, I sent him the concept and story. If you ask me, no one can make this film the way I did. However, I don't want to remake my own film; besides, I am 80 now."

Ghai said he is attached to the project as "creative producer" because he could see how strongly Dutt wanted to make the film. He said, "I told Sanju, 'If you are so keen, why don't you produce it yourself, and I can be your creative producer.' I am sure he will find the right director for the film and announce it soon."

He also said he would appear in a cameo in Khalnayak Returns for Dutt. Explaining the decision, Ghai said, "Sanju is like my son, so I will do it for him. I also did one for Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om. I cherish the relationships I have built in the industry over the years. Some distributors stood by me even when some of my films didn't work."

Speaking about his career, Ghai added, "Other than Rishi Kapoor and Dilip Kumar, who were established names when I worked with them in Karz (1980) and Vidhaata (1982), I never worked with stars. I looked for newer talent who fit the parts, and they went on to become huge stars."

Sanjay Dutt announces Khalnayak Returns

Last week, Dutt had said the sequel would not be possible without Ghai. He said, "The journey of Khalnayak has been long and without Subhash ji it wouldn't have been possible. He is a legend and a man of entertainment. He will be part of this Khalnayak." Dutt's Three Dimension Motion Pictures and producer Aksha Kamboj's Aspect Entertainment have secured the rights for the sequel from Ghai and Mukta Arts.

Dutt also spoke about when the idea for another Khalnayak first came to him. He said it happened during his jail term in the 1993 Mumbai blast case. Recalling that period, he said, "In jail, I asked everyone around me -- who would be interested in watching it. And the 4,000 inmates said they all would. I asked all of them to write one page about it (new Khalnayak story), and it took me a while to read all 4,000 pages."

He added, "When I came out on parole, I asked Subhash sir to go through it. After that, he said it should be made."

All about the 1993 Khalnayak

In the original film, Dutt played an anti-hero named Ballu (Balram Prasad), Jackie Shroff played Officer Ram and Madhuri Dixit starred as undercover officer Ganga.

Ballu escapes police custody, prompting Ganga to infiltrate his gang and help her fiance, Inspector Ram. Ram is on a mission to catch Ballu. The dynamics lead to a complex story of love, betrayal, and redemption.

While the sequel has now been announced, more details on whether it will be a remake, sequel, prequel or an entirely new script are yet to be revealed.