Sanjay Dutt fans are eagerly waiting to see him in a never-seen-before avatar in Khalnayak Returns. After 33 years, fans will finally be able to see Dutt take on the role of Ballu Balram, his much-appreciated character from the OG Khalnayak . While the OG film was directed by Subhash Ghai, he is not directing the sequel.

On the hunt for directors, Sanjay reportedly approached Rajkumar Santoshi. But the director reportedly refused.

Rajkumar Santoshi says no to directing Khalnayak Returns?

As per a report by Bollywood Hungama, directorRajkumar Santoshi has refused to direct Sanjay Dutt's Khalnayak Returns. A source informed Bollywood Hungama, "Sanjay Dutt was keen that Rajkumar Santoshi should direct Khalnayak Returns. He felt that Raj ji has an understanding of commercial cinema and would be able to do justice. Moreover, the two powerhouse, talented individuals have never worked together. Hence, Sanjay Dutt felt that it would be great to finally join hands with Rajkumar Santoshi, that too for a special project. Accordingly, he met the director and offered him the film."

Three Dimension Motion Pictures

The source further added that Santoshi had to politely refuse the offer as he is currently busy providing final touches to his film Lahore 1947.

The source continued, "He's currently busy providing final touches to his film Lahore 1947, starring Sunny Deol. He's also written scripts that he wants to pitch to Sunny as well as Aamir Khan. Hence, he told Sanjay Dutt that he doesn't have the time to direct Khalnayak Returns."

As per the report, Sanjay Dutt is now on the hunt for a director for his film.

About Khalnayak Returns

Sanjay Dutt and team unveiled the first look of Khalnayak Returns on April 15 and fans loved it. At the event, Dutt revealed how the idea of Khalnayak Returns came to him when he was in jail with 4000 inmates.

Credit: Youtube

He said, "I got the thought of making Khalnayak part 2 in jail (smiles). I used to play music inside the prison. The inmates used to insist only on the songs of Khalnayak. I asked them, 'Agar Khalnayak phir se banaye, toh kaun dekhna chahega?'. All 4000 prisoners said in unison that they would love to see it. I told them, 'Send me a one-pager idea of the film'. It took me a lot of time to read 4000 pages! One of the ideas that I got appealed to me."

Sanjay was last seen in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2, which was released in theatres on March 19.

Lead credits: Three Dimension Motion Pictures, Instagram/muvyz.com