Shah Rukh Khan set to return with Pathaan 2? Announcement at Dubai event sparks buzz

'Pathaan': Shah Rukh Khan in one of the film posters (Image credit: @taran_adarsh/Twitter)

Shah Rukh Khan may be stepping back into the shoes of Pathaan, if a recent announcement in Dubai is any indication.

During the launch of a real-estate tower named after him, a developer surprised both the audience and SRK by declaring that Pathaan 2 is officially in the works.

The 60-year-old actor, who attended the event as the chief guest, looked visibly taken aback when the developer said on stage, “Koi blockbuster movie hoti hai toh uska ek sequel hota hai, am I right? Like Pathaan. Pathaan 2 aa rahi hai.” The statement instantly set social media abuzz.

Fan accounts and industry trackers quickly amplified the news. One widely shared tweet read, "PATHAAN is BACK. ALL TIME GROSSER & the HIGHEST GROSSER from the Spy Universe gets SEQUEL – #Pathaan2. #ShahRukhKhan movie likely to start next year after #Alpha release. After Dhurandhar, expectations from spy movies are sky high."

The timing of the announcement is interesting, coming right after the massive box-office triumph of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, which has crossed Rs 200 crore in just days.

At the event, Shah Rukh also reflected on recent milestones in his career and life. “I have a bronze DDLJ statue in London, I’ve won a National Award, and now there’s a building in Dubai named after me. I’ve become someone my parents can look down on proudly from heaven,” he said.

Released in January 2023, Pathaan revitalised the YRF Spy Universe, collecting over Rs 1,000 crore worldwide. The film starred Deepika Padukone as ISI agent Dr. Rubina Mohsin and John Abraham as the formidable villain Jim. High-octane action sequences, a cameo by Salman Khan, and Siddharth Anand’s slick direction made it one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.

According to reports, Pathaan 2, produced by Aditya Chopra, will begin filming next year. It will become the eighth instalment of the YRF Spy Universe, which includes Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, Tiger 3, War 2, and Tiger vs Pathaan.

While an official confirmation from YRF is still awaited, excitement among fans has already hit fever pitch.