Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar are reuniting for the highly anticipated sequel to Vaastav: The Reality. The 1999 cult classic, known for its gritty portrayal of Mumbai’s underworld, left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar reunite for Vaastav 2, the sequel to the 1999 cult classic?
In 1999, Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar delivered the hard-hitting gangster drama Vaastav: The Reality, a film that resonated deeply with audiences and became a landmark in Indian cinema. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of Raghu, a common man-turned-gangster, earned widespread acclaim and achieved cult status over the years. Widely regarded as the OG gangster film of Indian cinema, Vaastav left an indelible mark on the genre. Now, 26 years later, the iconic duo is gearing up to reunite for the much-anticipated sequel to Vaastav.
Sources close to PinkVilla reveal that Mahesh Manjrekar has conceptualized a fresh narrative set within the gritty world of Vaastav. “It’s a franchise film, not a direct continuation of the original story,” said an insider. “Mahesh has developed an idea in sync with the essence of Vaastav and has shared it with Sanjay Dutt, who is thrilled to reprise the role of Raghu. The screenplay is currently in the works, and Sanju is eagerly awaiting the final narration,” added the source.
The sequel will be produced by Subhash Kale, with the team planning to begin production by late 2025. The film is said to be a two-hero project, with the creators aiming to cast a prominent actor from the younger generation as the parallel lead. “Casting decisions will likely be finalized by mid-2025, once the script is fully developed. Mahesh and his team are crafting a high-octane gangster drama with larger-than-life dialogues and powerful characters,” the source shared.
If all goes as planned, Vaastav 2 is poised to be one of the grandest gangster films in Indian cinema, blending the raw intensity of the original with a modern, expansive approach. The makers are reportedly considering an A-list young star for the role alongside Sanjay Dutt, further boosting the sequel’s appeal.
Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar have a history of successful collaborations, including Kurukshetra, Hathyar, Pitaah, Viruddh, and Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi. Their reunion for Vaastav 2 is already generating buzz among fans and the industry alike.
The original Vaastav (1999) followed the journey of Raghu (Sanjay Dutt), an innocent young man from Mumbai who unwittingly descends into the city’s underworld. Starting as a small-time worker with dreams of a simple life, Raghu is forced to commit murder in self-defense, which marks the beginning of his transformation into a feared gangster. As he rises through the ranks of the criminal world, Raghu struggles with the moral consequences of his actions and the toll it takes on his family. The film concludes with a tragic yet poignant climax, as Raghu, overwhelmed by his life of crime, meets a heartbreaking end at the hands of his own mother, fulfilling his desperate plea for redemption.
