Shahid Kapoor In Talks With Ektaa R Kapoor As She Plans A Sequel For Udta Punjab – Report

Ektaa R Kapoor is in the process of developing Udta Punjab 2, with Aakash Kaushik set to direct the sequel, which aims to shed light on Punjab’s ongoing drug crisis. There are discussions about the return of Shahid Kapoor, though formal talks have yet to happen. Production for the film is anticipated to begin next year.

Shahid Kapoor To Lead Udta Punjab 2 By Ektaa R Kapoor?

The original Udta Punjab, released in 2016 and directed by Abhishek Chaubey, featured a star-studded cast including Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh. The film provided a gritty portrayal of the complex political and social issues surrounding Punjab’s drug problem, resonating with audiences despite facing numerous challenges including censorship disputes, government criticism, and rampant piracy.

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According to reports from Peeping Moon, almost a decade after the original film’s release, Ekta Kapoor is bringing the story back to the forefront. Although Aakash Kaushik is taking over the directing and scripting, the sequel will maintain a different narrative while focusing on the drug epidemic in Punjab. “’Udta Punjab 2’ is currently in the writing phase, with production slated to begin next year,” an industry insider revealed. “The team plans to approach actors once the script is finalized, but Ektaa is keen on bringing Shahid back. She has reportedly had preliminary discussions with him, but formal talks are yet to take place.”

Why Is Abhishek Chaubey Not The Director?

Abhishek Chaubey will not be involved in the sequel as he is occupied with other commitments. Replacing him is Aakash Kaushik, a filmmaker whose background contrasts sharply with the gritty tone of ‘Udta Punjab’. Kaushik is best known as a screenwriter for comedies like ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,’ ‘Housefull 4,’ and ‘Great Grand Masti.’ He has also directed a yet-to-be-titled spy comedy for Dharma Productions, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan, meant for theatrical release later this year.

Ektaa R Kapoor’s Projects

Udta Punjab 2 joins a growing trend of sequels and franchise films currently in development. Reports indicating that at least 40 similar projects are in various production stages. This sequel aligns with Ekta’s history of creating sequels under her Balaji Motion Pictures banner. It includes titles like Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara!, Ek Villain Returns, Ragini MMS 2, and LSD 2. Moreover, she is also rumored to be working on Dream Girl 3 and a sequel to Veere Di Wedding. However, projects like sequels to A Flying Jatt and The Dirty Picture have yet to materialize.

Also Read: Ektaa Kapoor DISMISSES reports of The Sabarmati Report facing censorship issues; says, “We actually deposited all the facts”