Sunny Deol, Rajkumar Santoshi To Reunite for ‘Ghatak Ghus Ke Maarega’ After ‘Batwara 1947’ – Report
Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi and Sunny Deol are reuniting for a new action-drama titled 'Ghatak Ghus Ke Maarega', which features a similar Banaras-based character persona as their 1996 hit 'Ghatak' but follows an entirely original storyline.
Following the underwhelming theatrical response to their partition drama Batwara 1947, filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi and actor Sunny Deol are set to collaborate once again on an action project. The duo is developing an upcoming action-drama titled Ghatak Ghus Ke Maarega, which features Deol in the same character persona as his 1996 hit Ghatak. ‘Batwara 1947’ FIRST Review: Ramesh Taurani Calls Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta’s Partition Drama a ‘Deeply Moving’ Must-Watch Film (View Post).
‘Ghatak’ Sequel in the Works?
Despite speculation surrounding a potential franchise continuation, Santoshi confirmed that the project is not a direct sequel to the 1996 original. Speaking to PTI, the veteran director clarified that while the film shares thematic similarities and brings back the iconic Banaras-based character type, it will follow a brand-new narrative arc. "Sunny and I are working on a few stories, and soon we will make a formal announcement about it. The film has full-fledged action. It is called Ghatak Ghus Ke Maarega. It is not a sequel. But it is the same character, like the character is from Banaras," Santoshi told PTI in an interview.
The filmmaker added that fans can expect high-octane action sequences, powerful dialogues, and strong emotional beats elements that defined their classic 90s collaborations.
Addressing his stance on film franchises, Santoshi stated that he actively avoids direct sequels, confirming he turned down the offer to direct Jaat 2, the follow-up to Deol's 2025 action film. "I said no for it because I don't believe in making sequels," Santoshi stated. In addition to Ghatak Ghus Ke Maarega, Santoshi revealed that he and Deol have two to three other concepts in development.
One of the projects involves an action-drama with Deol portraying a Sikh character living in the United States. Separate from his work with Deol, Santoshi is also writing a comedy-adventure titled Ada Apni Apni, set in the same style and genre as his 1994 cult classic Andaz Apna Apna.
Rebounding from Box Office Setbacks
The new slate of projects comes shortly after the release of Batwara 1947, which marked the duo's cinematic reunion after nearly 30 years. Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the historical drama received positive critical commentary but failed to translate that reception into strong box-office numbers. Reflecting on the film's theatrical run, Santoshi noted that while the cast and crew were disappointed by the low turnout, it has not altered their creative partnership. ‘Batwara 1947’: Sunny Deol Was Unhappy With Aamir Khan Over Rejected INR 60 Crore OTT Deal for Their Film – Report.
Prior to Batwara 1947, Santoshi and Deol delivered several major box-office successes in the 1990s, including Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993), and the original Ghatak (1996). Formal announcements regarding cast details and production schedules for Ghatak Ghus Ke Maarega are expected in the coming months.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2026 10:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
