In 2019, Rowdy Rathore (2012) co-producer Shabinaa Khan had revealed that a sequel to Akshay Kumar’s hit action-comedy was on the cards. While the news brought cheer among the superstar’s fans, little was known about its development thereon. Now, almost a decade since the Prabhudheva-directed venture hit the screens, the makers are poised to present the sequel. The film is being scripted by Baahubali (2015) and RRR writer K V Vijayendra Prasad. While Rowdy Rathore was a remake of the 2006 Telugu hit, Vikramarkudu — which was written by Prasad — the sequel will only be developed in Hindi.

The 2012 film saw Kumar in a double role, as petty thief Shiva and ASP Vikram Singh Rathore. A trade source reveals, “Sonakshi Sinha will reprise her role of Paro. While the principal characters of Shiva and Paro are expected to remain in the sequel, the story will not pick up where Rowdy Rathore ended. This will be a completely new narrative. The script will be ready in the next few months, and the movie is expected to go on floors in the end of 2022.”

Veteran writer Prasad confirms that he has been working on the script since the past few months. “I am currently writing the Rowdy Rathore 2 script. Bhansali saab [Sanjay Leela Bhansali, producer] approached me to write the sequel. I should be able to complete the script soon,” he says, refusing to divulge details about the plot. Asked whether Prabhudheva will return to helm the second instalment, he says, “I am not aware about the director.”