"Aditya Chopra is strategically choosing the directors."
It has been reported that Siddharth Anand will not return to direct the sequel of his blockbuster Pathaan (2023).
Pathaan is the fourth instalment of the YRF Spy Universe and it starred Shah Rukh Khan as the titular character.
The film also featured Deepika Padukone (Dr Rubina ‘Rubai’ Mohsin) and John Abraham (Leader of ‘Outfit X’).
Pathaan was a huge boost to director Siddharth Anand’s career.
A source explained how there were no plans for the filmmaker to direct Pathaan 2. It said:
“Aditya Chopra is strategically choosing the directors for each YRF spy universe film and has never repeated directors for its sequel movies, as is evident from the Tiger and War sequels.
“The tradition continues with Pathaan 2 as well, with Siddharth Anand stepping aside for a new director to offer a fresh perspective to Shah Rukh’s swashbuckling spy character.
“While the director for the sequel hasn’t been finalised, plans are underway to take the project on the floor by the end of this year.”
The three instalments of Salman Khan’s Tiger films were directed by Kabir Khan, Ali Abbas Zafar, and Maneesh Sharma.
Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan’s War (2019) was directed by Siddharth. However, Ayan Mukerji is helming its sequel War 2.
Pathaan 2 was reported in February 2024. A source stated:
“This is the twist to the YRF Spy Universe timeline – Pathaan 2 will predate Tiger vs Pathaan and will set up the clash of two cinematic legends on the big screen.
“Shah Rukh Khan as Pathaan is definitely a character that has resonated with the audiences, and there is a constant on-ground demand from the audience to see more of SRK in the spy avatar.
“Soon after the release in January 2023, Adi and SRK had decided to spin Pathaan into a standalone franchise too within the Spy Universe and the former started ideating the sequel of this all-time blockbuster.
“Pathaan 2 is being designed as the tentpole spy film of the universe that will set things up for bigger conflict in the times to come.
“It will set up the next phase of YRF Spy Universe’s timeline.”
Along with War 2 and Pathaan 2, YRF is also gearing up for the first instalment in the franchise to be led by Alia Bhatt.
Salman Khan and SRK will reportedly also be uniting for Tiger vs Pathaan.
Meanwhile, Siddharth Anand last directed Fighter (2024) with Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor in lead roles.
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