Khal Nayak, released in 1993, has developed a cult following through the years. From the characters to the songs, the film holds a major place in Indian cinema. Sanjay Dutt’s performance as Ballu Balram won hearts and continues to be considered one in all his iconic performances. Subhash Ghai made the fitting decision to forged Dutt in that part, and he once revealed his reason behind his alternative. Keep scrolling for the deets.
Ghai managed to balance mass appeal with moral questions on crime, justice, and redemption. Its mixture of motion, emotion and music became template for 90s masala blockbusters. The film featured Dutt within the titular role with Madhuri Dixit, Anupam Kher, Rakhee Gulzar, and Jackie Shroff in supporting roles. The movie won multiple accolades and awards, besides being a business success.
Subhash Ghai shared the actual reason behind selecting Sanjay Dutt for Khal Nayak
In 2023, Khal Nayak turned 30, and through a conversation with Hindustan Times, Subhash Ghai shared how he locked Sanjay Dutt for the role. The filmmaker revealed he was adamant about taking Sanjay Dutt for the role. He reportedly turned down every other actor and selected Dutt for the lead role.
The veteran filmmaker recalled, “Once Sanju asked me why I selected him for the role, and I told him it was due to his eyes. Uski aankhon mein ek bholapan hai, ek bachpana hai. But within the very next moment, you see a person who’s filled with anger. He plays the son, but at the identical time, he justifies the character of a villain who kidnaps and murders.”
Based on a contemporary report by Mid Day, a sequel to Khal Nayak is being planned. A top production house has acquired the exclusive rights to the film and its future adaptations, with plans to expand it right into a cinematic universe featuring antihero-driven stories. As per the source, Sanjay Dutt will reprise the role together with recent characters.
The source said, “The movie ended with Ballu being sentenced to life imprisonment. Within the second instalment, Sanjay’s character will take the story forward with young actors. After Khal Nayak’s success, it was remade in Telugu, Tamil, and Punjabi. This time, the thought is to make the sequel in Hindi in addition to other languages.” In addition they said, “It’ll include stories of heroic antagonists like Ballu, who was a victim of his situation.”
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