'Jaat 2': Rajkumar Santoshi in, Gopichand Maneni out as director of the sequel to Sunny Deol’s film - Report

Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi, who are already collaborating on 'Lahore: 1947', are reportedly set to reunite for another major project. According to the latest reports, the filmmaker has been roped in to direct 'Jaat 2', the sequel to 'Jaat', starring Sunny Deol.As per a Bollywood Hungama report, Rajkumar Santoshi has officially stepped in to direct the sequel to 'Jaat'. The makers are reportedly keen on expanding the franchise and believe Santoshi’s vision will take the story to greater heights. Since the original director, Gopichand Maneni, is occupied with prior commitments, Santoshi has been brought on board.A source told the publication, "The producers and Sunny Deol are confident that Rajkumar Santoshi’s direction will raise the stakes even further for the sequel. His experience and style will undoubtedly elevate the world of Jaat."According to reports, the veteran filmmaker has been offered a hefty sum of ₹15 crore to direct Jaat 2. The paperwork for the project is expected to be completed in the coming month.The sequel is expected to go on floors in the second half of 2026, following the release of Lahore: 1947. However, an official release date for Jaat 2 has not yet been announced.The first installment of Jaat starred Randeep Hooda, Regina Cassandra, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Saiyami Kher in pivotal roles, alongside Ramya Krishnan, Jagapathi Babu, Prashant Bajaj, Zarina Wahab, P. Ravi Shankar, and Babloo Prithiveeraj. Released in April this year, the film was made on a reported budget of ₹50 crore and went on to earn ₹119 crore at the box office.