With Gully Boy (2019), filmmaker Zoya Akhtar told a moving story of rap, rebellion, and resilience. That is a tough act to follow. But mid-day has learnt that Akhtar is returning with a sequel to the Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt-starrer. It turns out she will serve as the producer on the sequel, passing the directorial baton to Arjun Varain Singh, who helmed the much-loved Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023).
A source reveals, “With Gully Boy, Zoya and Reema [Kagti, co-producer and writer] brought on screen not only the struggles and perseverance of Indian rappers, but also the wide class divide. They felt the theme could lend itself to a sequel as there are many such rich stories to be explored. While Gully Boy saw the journey of Ranveer’s Murad reach its culmination, the second part will trace the story of another rapper.”
Arjun Varain Singh and Zoya Akhtar
The gem is also remembered for spotlighting two talents in Vijay Varma and Siddhant Chaturvedi. This time around, the makers will bring a new cast. “The film is in prep. If all goes as planned, it will roll by the year-end. Arjun showed depth in his directorial debut, and Zoya felt he was the right person to take this franchise ahead,” says another insider.