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Following Dharmendra’s passing, uncertainty emerged over the future of Apne 2. While director Anil Sharma claimed the sequel had been shelved, producer Deepak Mukut has clarified that the film will move forward as a tribute to the late icon, with Sunny, Bobby and Karan Deol set to star. Mukut also expressed disappointment over Sharma’s premature remarks, emphasising the team’s unwavering commitment to completing the project.
Bollywood continues to mourn the loss of Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved actors, celebrated for classics like Sholay, Satyakam, Anupama and Chupke Chupke. He passed away on 24 November, leaving fans across generations in grief.
His demise triggered confusion around the long-awaited sequel to Apne. The 2007 boxing drama marked the first collaboration between Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol under Anil Sharma’s direction. The trio later reunited for the Yamla Pagla Deewana films in 2011, 2013 and 2018.
Although fans have been anticipating Apne 2 for years, Sharma suggested after Dharmendra’s death that the project had been dropped. Soon after, producer Deepak Mukut clarified that the film is very much alive.
Producer insists the sequel will go ahead
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Mukut stated firmly that Apne 2 is still happening. “On the contrary, Apne must be made now more than ever. We were working on the project with Dharam ji. Now Sunny and I will take it forward as a homage to him. He will be there in spirit. The original had Dharam ji alongside Sunny and Bobby, and Apne 2 will also feature Sunny’s son Karan in a major role. I will sit with Sunny to move ahead once the mourning period ends.”
Mukut criticises director’s cancellation comments
Mukut expressed displeasure over Sharma’s claim that the film was shelved. “He is not authorised to make such a rash statement. I don’t know why he said this. He now denies it, but how can he be quoted on something so sensitive if he didn’t say it? It is not Anil Sharma’s call to decide whether the project goes ahead. The decision lies with Sunny and me, and we are proceeding full throttle. We owe it to Dharam ji and his fans.”
Possibility of a new director
With conflicting statements from both sides, questions have arisen regarding whether Sharma will direct the sequel. Mukut did not rule out a change. “It’s a possibility. We may bring in a new director. That is not the priority. What matters is that we are making Apne 2 as a tribute to Dharam ji with Sunny, Bobby and Karan Deol.”
What Anil Sharma said
Following Dharmendra’s death, Sharma said in an interview that the sequel could not continue without the family patriarch. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he stated, “Apne cannot be made without its own. Without Dharam ji, it’s impossible to make the sequel. Everything was ready—the script was in place—but he left us. Some dreams remain unfulfilled. Without him, it’s not possible.”
