Vidya Balan starrer The Dirty Picture to have a sequel, Kangana Ranaut rejects offer but THESE leading ladies are still in the race

The 2011 biographical drama The Dirty Picture, inspired by the life of Indian actress Silk Smitha, is headed for a sequel. As per reports, producer Ekta Kapoor has finalized the idea which will be penned by screenwriter Kanika Dhillon. However, there is a twist as Vidya Balan , who has headlined the first part, will not be part of the much-awaited project. Reportedly, the names of Taapsee Pannu and Kriti Sanon are in the running to be the lead actress.

Directed by Milan Luthria, The Dirty Picture was loosely based on the life of Silk who was known for her erotic roles in films. Co-produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor, and penned by screenwriter Rajat Aroraa, the film was critically acclaimed as well as a commercial success. Besides Vidya, the film also starred Emraan Hashmi, Naseeruddin Shah, and Tusshar Kapoor. As per Peeping Moon reports, Ekta has planned its sequel for a long time and finally came up with the idea after exploring several scripts.

 It is also reported that Kangana Ranaut was the first choice of Ekta for the upcoming project but the former has turned down the offer. Ranaut reportedly said that she doesn’t want to disturb her righteous image. Meanwhile, Taapsee and Kriti are eager to be part of the movie, which is currently in the scripting stage. Ekta’s Balaji Motion Pictures will likely take it on the floors in the first quarter of 2023. Also, it is not yet clear if Milan Luthria will return to helm the movie since no official announcement of the movie has been made yet.

Further, the reports suggest that the upcoming movie will be a standalone sequel and will have no reference to the life of Silk who dies at the end of the first movie. The makers have decided to turn the film into a franchise with yet another bold and powerful woman and her story in a commercial way.