Gadar 3 in the works: Director Anil Sharma reveals when filming may begin

Director Anil Sharma shared a fresh update on Gadar 3 as the blockbuster franchise featuring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel marks 25 years. He also hinted at what needs to happen before the film finally goes on floors.

In Short

• Director Anil Sharma said the Gadar 3 script is being worked on
• He insisted that the film must match the grand scale of franchise
• Lucknow will remain central to Gadar 3 with key shooting locations

Director Anil Sharma said Gadar 3 is in the works as the Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel starrer completes 25 years since its first release. Speaking about the future of the franchise, Sharma said the script is being worked on and, if everything stays on track, the film could begin next year. He said the third film will only move ahead if it matches the scale he has in mind for the series.

The first Gadar released in theatres on June 15, 2001, and Gadar 2 followed on August 11, 2023, 22 years later. Both films were major successes and featured a similar lead cast.

Speaking to HT City, Sharma said, “After Utkarsh (Sharma, son-actor) grew up, people started saying Jeete ka kahani laao. But for me, if the Gadar story was a bomb, I would only make Gadar 2 if I get an atom bomb story and it made history. Now, if I get a nuclear bomb story, then only I will make it. We are working on the script, and God-willing, if all goes on track, we will start Gadar 3 next year!”

Sharma also spoke about Lucknow’s place in the franchise. He said the city played an important role in Gadar, where the handpump scene was shot at La Martiniere College and parts of the Pakistan portion were filmed. He added that the city now has a role in tourism too, with auto drivers, guides and rickshaw-pullers taking visitors to spots linked to the film.

He said people often tell him stories about these locations. He added that Gadar 2 was also shot in Lucknow and said that if a third film happens, it will be shot there as well. “Gadar without Lucknow is not possible!” he said.

Sharma said he recognised the film’s potential when writer Shaktimaan Talwar first narrated the story to him. He said he felt then that it could become India’s biggest hit, and added that it went on to do so. He also said Mother India, Mughal-e-Azam and Sholay have been among his favourite films, and that he tried to make Gadar at that level.

He further said the first film drew 10 crore footfall and claimed that no film has matched that so far. He added that Gadar 2 had half of that footfall.

Speaking about Gadar releasing alongside Lagaan, Sharma said the clash is discussed a lot now, but he did not see it as a competition. He said it was common at the time for two or three big films to release together and still perform, with audiences watching one show of one film and then another back-to-back. He said it was an era driven by feeling rather than marketing.

Sharma also said there were no second choices when it came to casting. He said Sunny Deol, Amrish Puri and the rest of the cast were always his choices.

Previous confirmation on Gadar 3

In an earlier conversation with India Today Digital, Sharma had confirmed that Gadar 3 would happen and said the team was working on the script. He had said he was busy with Vanvaas, but after its release, they were fully focused on developing Gadar 3 and would share more details at the appropriate time.

During the promotion of Vanvaas, Sharma had also said in an interview with The Lallantop that he had spoken to Nana Patekar once or twice and felt it would be great if the actor could be part of Gadar 3 or if a character could be created for him.

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