Anil Kapoor to make 'Nayak' sequel, acquires copyrights: Two superstars who rejected film

If you are a fan of Bollywood films, there's no way you haven't watched Anil Kapoor's 'Nayak'. The political thriller gained cult status over the years and the memes and memories around the film still continue to surface on social media. Almost 25 years after the film's release, Anil Kapoor has acquired the copyrights to the film, likely to make a sequel.

Nayak sequel?

The film was originally produced by AS Rathnam and later the rights went to Deepak Mukut.

"Producer Deepak Mukut of Sanam Teri Kasam fame held the rights to Nayak. It is said that Anil Kapoor has bought the rights from him. He plans to hold the rights as it's a film close to his heart. Also, he aspires to make a sequel to it," a Bollywood Hungama report stated.

The film that had Rani Mukerji, Amrish Puri and Anil Kapoor in lead roles was a story of a common man turning to a CM for a day. "He (Anil Kapoor) is fully aware of the love he has garnered for the film over the years and believes that the subject of Nayak has tremendous potential for a second part," the report added.

Who rejected the film?

The film also had Paresh Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Johny Lever, Shivaji Satam, Neena Kulkarni and Pooja Batra. It also had Sushmita Sen for an item number. The film made Anil win over several awards that year and still remains one of the most celebrated films of his career. But, very few know that Anil wasn't the first choice for the film.

The film was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan and then to Aamir Khan. The superstars had to let go of the film for various reasons. A move, Anil remained thankful for.

"Honestly, all we knew while making the film was that it would be something special. Something for the ages. We had no clue it would gain the kind of traction that it did. I think it's the subject matter that is just so relevant and relatable. The people, the government and the tensions therein will always remain a topic of great interest and personal relevance," Anil Kapoor had once said in an interview.