For the past three years, Bollywood circles were abuzz with talk of Akshay Kumar’s Rowdy Rathore 2, a sequel to his 2012 blockbuster. However, the much-anticipated project has now been officially shelved. Instead, the makers are reworking the script into a fresh police action drama, dropping the “Rowdy Rathore” tag altogether.

Why Was the Sequel Dropped?

The rights of the sequel are jointly held by Disney India and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, but both parties reportedly never gave a green signal to the project. According to a Bollywood Hungama report, producer Shabina Khan and Bhansali have finally decided to abandon the sequel and transform the script into a standalone high-octane entertainer.

The Script Gets a New Life

The original screenplay, written by veteran V. Vijayendra Prasad (known for Baahubali and RRR), will remain the foundation. However, it is now undergoing changes to ensure the film feels new and original while retaining the mass appeal that made Rowdy Rathore a success.

A New Director on Board

The project has also found a new director in P. S. Mithran, the Tamil filmmaker acclaimed for films like Irumbu Thirai (2018), Hero (2019), and Sardar (2022). Shooting is expected to begin early next year.

Akshay Kumar Back in Cop Mode

While Rowdy Rathore 2 may no longer happen, Akshay Kumar will still headline this revamped film, marking yet another return to his popular on-screen cop avatar. The makers believe the new approach will allow them to deliver a fresh entertainer without being tied down by the expectations of a sequel.