3 Idiots 2: Sequel with original cast set to begin filming in 2026

One of India’s most recognisable films, 3 Idiots, is set for a sequel nearly 15 years after it first arrived in cinemas. 

The original cast – Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi – are expected to reunite for the new project, according to reports from entertainment outlets citing sources close to the production.

The 2009 film, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, became a major cultural milestone in India and abroad. It followed the story of three engineering students navigating academic pressure, friendship and personal identity, ultimately prompting nationwide discussions about the country’s education system. It also became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of its time.

According to entertainment publication Pinkvilla, the script for 3 Idiots 2 has now been finalised after years of deliberation by the creative team. 

A source quoted by the outlet said the writers believe the new script “captures the humour, emotion and meaning” that defined the first film. The same source added that the team is “extremely excited” to move ahead, describing the writing process as an attempt to honour the legacy of the original.

Reports indicate that the upcoming film will continue the story of the central characters, following them around 15 years after the events shown in the final scenes of the first film. According to one source, the plot will depict the characters reuniting for what has been described as a new adventure, while introducing updated themes shaped by the passage of time.

The decision to move ahead with the sequel marks a shift in priorities for Hirani and Aamir Khan, who had been working on a biopic project centred on Indian cinema pioneer Dadasaheb Phalke. That film has reportedly been put on hold after the pair concluded the script needed further development.

Industry reports say Hirani, who had previously considered the idea of a sequel, dedicated substantial time in recent months to shaping the new screenplay. 

The director is said to have wanted a narrative that justified revisiting the franchise and met the expectations of viewers who have long regarded the original as one of Bollywood’s most memorable works.

The sequel will be produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, together with Hirani and Khan, mirroring the team behind the 2009 release. Production is expected to begin in the second half of 2026, according to sources cited by Moneycontrol. No official announcement has yet been issued by the filmmakers or cast.

Despite the absence of a formal statement, news of the development has generated considerable interest on social media, particularly among fans of the original film. Many online users have expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of the cast returning after more than a decade, while others have shared expectations about how the sequel may approach contemporary social themes.

3 Idiots, which was released worldwide in 2009, was the first Indian film to surpass the 200 crore rupee mark at the domestic box office. Its popularity was further amplified by international releases and online streaming, contributing to its status as a modern classic of Indian cinema.

Context

The decision to revisit the story of 3 Idiots comes as the Indian film industry continues to explore sequels and franchise-based projects, influenced partly by global trends in commercial cinema. 

The original film’s commentary on academic competition and personal fulfilment has remained relevant in public discussions, and industry analysts suggest that its enduring resonance may have encouraged the decision to develop a continuation.

With the return of the original cast and direction by Rajkumar Hirani, one of India’s most successful filmmakers, industry observers expect the sequel to become one of the most widely followed film projects in the coming years. 

Whether the new film can match the impact of the 2009 release remains to be seen, but its announcement alone reflects the lasting influence of a story that has shaped popular culture for more than a decade.

Source: India News Networks

--Agencies