Buzz: Ekta Kapoor plans a sequel to Vidya Balan’s The Dirty Picture; Kriti Sanon, Taapsee Pannu express interest

The Dirty Picture still finds a place as a groundbreaking film in contemporary Bollywood cinema. The impeccable storytelling and Vidya Balan’s powerful performance made the film a hit with audiences and critics alike. Now it seems that a sequel to the popular 2011 film is also in the works.

According to a report in Peeping Moon, Ekta Kapoor has had plans for a sequel to the hit film for a while now, and the filmmaker has finally locked in on an idea for the same after exploring several avenues over the years. The sequel will be scripted by Kanika Dhillon, popular for her female centric films like Manmarziyaan, Haseen Dillruba, Judgemental Hai Kya, and Rashmi Rocket, among others. Dhillon will reportedly pen the film’s script along with a male writer. Rajat Arora, who wrote the first film, is not expected to return for the sequel. The makers were planning to take the ‘special’ project on floors sometime next year.

Actresses such as Kriti Sanon and Taapsee Pannu have reportedly expressed their interest to star in the sequel, although Kapoor requested them to wait for the script to be finalised. A source told the portal that Kapoor had approached Kangana Rananut to star in the upcoming film. The Queen actress reportedly turned down the offer as she feared that the role would ‘disturb her righteous image’.

The report also stated that the sequel is expected to be a standalone ‘bold, sexy, and colourful story’ about a strong woman. It is unclear whether Balan will be part of the film or not. The makers are yet to make an official announcement regarding the upcoming movie.

In addition to Blan, The Dirty Picture, directed by Milan Luthria, also starred Emraan Hashmi, Naseeruddin Shah and Tusshar Kapoor in pivotal roles. The film can be streamed on Netflix and Disney+Hotstar.