Twenty-five years after its initial release, the cult classic Chandni Bar is officially getting a sequel, Chandni Bar 2. While the announcement has generated excitement, a primary question on many fans' minds is whether Tabu will reprise her iconic role as Mumtaz Sawant.
The original Chandni Bar, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, was a hard-hitting portrayal of Mumbai's underbelly, exposing the realities of bar dancers, crime, and survival in a city of contradictions. Tabu's performance earned her a National Award for her raw and powerful portrayal of Mumtaz.
Chandni Bar 2 is produced by Sandeep Singh under his banner, Legend Studios, and directed by Ajay Bahl. The sequel is scheduled to hit theaters on December 3, 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the original film.
According to a source close to the production, the filmmakers are in talks with Tabu about returning for the sequel. The source stated, "The producers are keenly interested in having her reprise her iconic role, as her presence is considered essential to the sequel's credibility and emotional core. The conversation is currently in process, the official casting confirmation of the actress is still awaited". While an official announcement is pending, the news has already stirred excitement among fans.
Producer Sandeep Singh said that Chandni Bar was never just a film but a mirror to society, unflinching and honest. "Two decades later, the struggles of survival, dignity, and ambition are still real. With this sequel, I want to confront those truths again, telling a story that resonates with today's generation," Singh stated.
Director Ajay Bahl, known for his unconventional storytelling, said that the original film was landmark filmmaking, and they want the sequel to carry forward that same intensity.
Chandni Bar 2 will present a reimagined narrative for a contemporary audience, set 25 years after the original film. The film is expected to explore an evolved setting while retaining its grit. Shooting is set to begin in mid-2026 in Mumbai and Dubai.
Given that the sequel is expected to introduce a new protagonist, several young actresses are reportedly in the running for the lead role. Names circulating include Ananya Panday, Sharvari Wagh, and Tripti Dimri. Casting for the new lead, who will carry forward the legacy of examining life in Mumbai's dance bars, is expected to be finalized soon.
