Bollywood hit ‘3 Idiots’ to have sequel

Nearly two decades after the 2009 Bollywood blockbuster “3 Idiots,” a sequel is officially in development, with director Rajkumar Hirani confirming that the story and script are currently being written.

According to The Times of India, Hirani revealed in a recent interview that the project is still in the writing stage.

“Once it reaches the right point, we will talk about it. Right now, we are still writing,” he said. “[The] casting will be the same,” he added.

If the sequel eventually moves forward, Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi could reprise their roles as Rancho, Farhan and Raju, respectively.

Interestingly, the idea for the sequel did not begin as a continuation of “3 Idiots.” In the same report, Hirani explained that the concept emerged while he and his team were working on an entirely different story.

Hirani also shared some details about what to expect from the sequel. It won’t revisit Rancho, Farhan and Raju as college students. Instead, the story will follow how their lives have changed roughly two decades after the first film.

Despite the anticipation surrounding a possible sequel, Hirani stressed that the team is not rushing the project simply because the original was such a major success. The story is still being developed, and they want to take their time with it.

Released in 2009, “3 Idiots” follows three engineering students whose friendship grows stronger as they navigate intense academic pressure and the expectations placed on them.

The film’s memorable characters, emotional story and mix of comedy, drama, coming-of-age and social commentary helped make it a major international success. 

Its take on education and the pressures faced by students resonated with viewers around the world, while its soundtrack, including the popular “Aal Izz Well” (All Is Well), became a fan favorite. 

Its lasting impact was also reflected in the recognition it received over the years. At the 2010 Awards of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), “3 Idiots” won Best Film, while Hirani took home Best Director and Sharman Joshi won the Popular Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, among several other honors.