When Sanjay Dutt first announced Khalnayak Returns, people were extremely excited. The movie has been in the works for a very long time, with the actor wanting to make it since his time behind bars.

It was only now that his dream project has been greenlit.

Subhash Ghai did not want to direct the sequel for his own reasons, and so the hunt for another director was still ongoing. Another to be approached was Rajkumar Santoshi, who also seems to have rejected the film.

Sanjay Dutt's Khalnayak 2 is Still Looking for a Director

© Jio Studios

As per Bollywood Hungama, Rajkumar Santoshi was approached by Sanjay Dutt to direct Khalnayak Returns because of how well he would have understood the vision. However, he declined the offer.

"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."

The source continued, "However, Rajkumar Santoshi politely and respectfully declined the offer. 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."

"However, Rajkumar Santoshi was touched by Sanjay Dutt's gesture. He wished him all the best and appreciated his look and swag in the intro teaser. Meanwhile, Sanju sir is now considering other filmmakers to direct Khalnayak Returns."