More… entertainment. Producer Ekta Kapoor has confirmed The Dirty Picture 2 is in development, 15 years after the release of the original film. Kapoor, in a podcast conversation with Ranvir Allahbadia, said she now has a story she wants to tell through the sequel, which will once again centre on a woman navigating a challenging environment.
“One very big film I’m making is The Dirty Picture 2. I’m planning it after 15 years. This time, I believe there is a story I want to tell,” Kapoor said.
Directed by Milan Luthria, The Dirty Picture (2011) starred Vidya Balan as Reshma, an aspiring performer who becomes known as Silk, a screen sensation in the Southern industries. The was inspired by the life of legendary actress Silk Smitha. It also featured Emraan Hashmi, Naseeruddin Shah and Tusshar Kapoor. The taboo-busting mainstream feature won Balan won the National Film Award for Best Actress.
Speaking about the original film’s themes, Kapoor said, “The Dirty Picture was about Silk Smitha. It was about a woman who was condemned for standing up against her sexuality. Ab sexuality is about your choice. Maine kabhi usse victim ki tarah nahi dekha (I never saw her as a victim). I saw her as someone who celebrated her sexuality, and the film did so well.”
Kapoor added that the sequel would revolve around a woman occupying a similar space, but did not disclose on whose life or story it will be based.
Details about the cast, director and release timeline have not been announced.
Vidya Balan had previously expressed interest in returning for a possible sequel. In an earlier interview with Galatta India, the actor said, “I would love to. I’m ready for it. I’m fully ready for it, and I feel that, yeah, it would be great. You know it’s been a while since I’ve done a juicy role, you know.”