isAt the audio launch of Baththa, Vijay Sethupathi said director Nithilan Saminathan has already written a “beautiful” story for Maharaja 2, confirming the sequel is in development. He also said he phoned the producer to verify reports of a Hollywood remake and offered to act in it for free, asking only for a role as the film heads West after its surprise China success.
Speaking at the audio launch of his upcoming film Baththa, Vijay Sethupathi said director Nithilan Saminathan has already narrated the story of Maharaja 2 to him, confirming the sequel is in development. The actor also said he had contacted the film's producer to verify reports of a Hollywood remake of Maharaja and expressed how he would gladly be part of it without a fee.
"Nithilan is an excellent director. His writing sense is so good. He recently told me the story of Maharaja 2, which was so beautiful," Sethupathi said at the event. He added that while some people had doubted the film originally, he had always believed in the project.
On the Hollywood remake, Sethupathi shared that he had called the producer to ask whether the reports were true and told him he would act in the remake for free, asking only for a role in the film. Reports have linked American actor Matthew McConaughey to the lead role in the Hollywood version, though his involvement has not been officially confirmed by the producers or by Sethupathi at this event.
“I recently called the producer and asked, 'Sir, I have heard that it is being remade in Hollywood. Are the rumours true?' I told him I’d act in it for free. Just give me a role in the film, and I’ll go there."
Sethupathi gushed with pride about his film going to Hollywood, and how he always wished to act in Hollywood. "It gives me such a great surprise and a sense of happiness. I’ve always wanted to act there, so I’m happy my film is going there. All credit for this goes to Nithilan. I love you da.”
Earlier this month, producer Sudhan Sundaram confirmed that the interest came after the film's unexpected second life in China, where it grossed ₹91.65 crore theatrically, per industry tracker Sacnilk, and performed strongly on streaming. A Hollywood agency subsequently acquired the remake rights, he said, and is now attempting to attach a major name. "The film is likely to go on floors by next year," Sundaram says.
Social media chatter has already placed Matthew McConaughey in Sethupathi's role, though the producer was careful not to confirm it. McConaughey may be among the actors in conversation, he indicates, but casting and the studio behind the project are details the agency will announce itself.
The film has been fielding remake buzz since release. Aamir Khan acquired the Hindi rights in 2024, with reports at the time suggesting he would take on the lead role himself. A Hollywood version would make Maharaja one of the rare recent Tamil titles to travel in both directions at once.