Filmmaker Prakash Jha has officially confirmed that a sequel to his 2010 political drama Raajneeti is currently in development. The original film, which featured an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Katrina Kaif, and Manoj Bajpayee, was a massive success at the box office and remains one of the most discussed political thrillers in Indian cinema.
In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, Prakash Jha was asked about the status of Raajneeti 2 and he said, “Uska waqt aa gaya hai. Kaam ho raha hai uspe ab (Time has come for the sequel. We’re working on it).” When Filmfare asked him if the star cast would remain the same, he said, “Sabr kariye, batayenge apko sab (Please have patience, we will reveal everything).”
Speaking further about his creative process with SCREEN, Jha shared that he often looks toward ancient texts for his narratives. He said, “I don’t really know. But I constantly draw from the epics and from our mythologies, be it the characters, the incidents, the drama, everything.” He further confirmed that this influence extends to the upcoming sequel, adding, “Even in the second part of Raajneeti, which is currently in pre-production and I’m actively working upon, a lot has been drawn from those sources.”
Addressing the challenges of making films with political undertones in the current era, Jha mentioned that while it has always been difficult, the digital age has added new layers of complexity. He explained, “It has always been tough. But with the spread of social media, where people can express their ideology, or even their lack of one, so easily and within seconds, it has become harder to contain or control a conversation.” He also pointed out how quickly information can be misunderstood online. He mentioned, “Before anyone expresses themselves fully, multiple interpretations of what you’ve said begin to circulate. That’s a force one has to deal with.”
Jha mentioned that he has gone through these hurdles throughout his career, including during the making of Gangaajal and the first Raajneeti. He believes in finding stories even under difficult circumstances, concluding, “The idea is to say what you want to say, say it responsibly, and say it in a way that the dialogue becomes meaningful and complete, because it shouldn’t remain one-sided.”
Also Read: 15 Years Of Raajneeti: The Sequel To The Political Saga Is In The Works
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