Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh’s 2016 crime drama ‘Udta Punjab’ is one of Bollywood’s most hard-hitting portrayals of Punjab’s deep-rooted drug crisis and its links to politics. The Abhishek Chaubey directorial faced many hurdles – a prolonged battle with the Censor Board, backlash from the Punjab government, and widespread online piracy – and yet, the film emerged as a box-office success, resonating with audiences for its raw storytelling and powerful performances.

Nearly a decade later, the drug crisis in Punjab is set to take center stage again as PeepingMoon.com has exclusively learned that Ekta Kapoor is said to be developing a sequel to ‘Udta Punjab’. Although the project is still in its early stages, sources reveal that Ekta has roped in Aakash Kaushik to write and direct the film. Ekta and Kaushik did not revert when this reporter reached out to both for an official confirmation.

“’Udta Punjab 2’ is currently in the writing phase, with production slated to begin next year,” an industry insider revealed. “The team plans to approach actors once the script is finalized, but Ekta is keen on bringing Shahid back. She has reportedly had preliminary discussions with him, but formal talks are yet to take place.” The sequel will apparently feature a new storyline, with its only connection to the original being Punjab’s drug crisis.

Abhishek Chaubey will not be involved in the sequel as he is occupied with other commitments. Replacing him is Aakash Kaushik, a filmmaker whose background contrasts sharply with the gritty tone of ‘Udta Punjab’. Kaushik is best known as a screenwriter for comedies like ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,’ ‘Housefull 4,’ and ‘Great Grand Masti.’ He has also directed a yet-to-be-titled spy comedy for Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan, meant for theatrical release later this year.

The news of ‘Udta Punjab 2’ comes amid a trend where sequels and franchise films dominate the development pipeline. Industry reports suggest that at least 40 such projects are currently in various stages of production, with many more expected in the coming days. For Ekta, this sequel aligns with her extensive track record of producing follow-ups under her banner, Balaji Motion Pictures. Her filmography already includes titles like ‘Ragini MMS 2,’ ‘LSD 2,’ ‘Ek Villain Returns,’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara.’ Apart from ‘Udta Punjab 2,’ she is also said to be actively working on ‘Dream Girl 3’ and a sequel to ‘Veere Di Wedding.’ The sequels to Vidya Balan’s ‘The Dirty Picture’ and Tiger Shroff’s ‘A Flying Jatt’ were also in development at some point, but they never materialized.