Sunny Deol’s powerful comeback in Gadar 2 (2023) alongside Ameesha Patel, under the direction of Anil Sharma, captivated audiences and became one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. The film, which grossed a staggering ₹525.7 crore at the box office, reignited the actor’s career and reaffirmed his status as a Bollywood superstar. As the film celebrated its one-year anniversary, director Anil Sharma revealed in an interview that he had advised Sunny Deol to demand ₹50 crore for his future projects, considering the massive success of Gadar 2.
Anil Sharma’s Confidence in Sunny Deol
In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Anil Sharma discussed his long-standing relationship with Sunny Deol and how their collaboration in Gadar 2 marked a significant milestone in the actor’s career. Sharma shared that before Gadar 2, he had told Sunny Deol, “You should do this film and you deserve to charge ₹50 crore per project. This film will elevate your status to new heights.” Sharma’s prediction proved accurate as Gadar 2 became a massive hit, with audiences flocking to theaters, even for shows scheduled as early as 3 AM.
Sharma recounted an emotional moment after the film’s release when he discovered the overwhelming demand for the movie. “I woke up at 7:30 in the morning, unaware of the frenzy. My wife showed me videos of the madness in theaters, and Sunny had tears in his eyes. It was a very emotional moment for all of us,” he said. According to Sharma, Sunny Deol had always been a superstar, but the industry often measures stardom by box office success. He added, “No one except me had even dreamed that Gadar 2 would be such a big hit.”
Upcoming Projects and a New Film on the Horizon
Anil Sharma also shared insights about his next directorial venture, Vanvas: A Journey of Life, featuring Nana Patekar and Utkarsh Sharma. The film, which has already completed its shooting, delves into the emotional struggles faced by the elderly in today’s society. Sharma explained the theme of the movie, saying, “In the Ramayana, a father sends his son into exile. But today, the opposite is happening; every household is experiencing a form of exile. Vanvas is an emotional drama that highlights these issues.”
He further elaborated on the performances in the film, praising Nana Patekar’s role and the powerful scenes between Patekar and Utkarsh Sharma. Anil Sharma also hinted at a potential release for Vanvas later this year, with the official release date expected to be announced in September. Additionally, he confirmed that work is already underway on Gadar 3, much to the excitement of fans.
The Long-Standing Collaboration Between Anil Sharma and Sunny Deol
The collaboration between Anil Sharma and Sunny Deol dates back to 2001 with the release of Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, a film that became one of the biggest hits of its time. The duo continued to work together on several successful projects, including The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003) and Apne (2007), where Sunny was joined by his father Dharmendra and brother Bobby Deol. Their collaboration extended to Singh Saab the Great (2013), where Sunny’s unique action sequences once again impressed the audience.
Their most recent collaboration, Gadar 2, marked their comeback after nearly a decade and reaffirmed their successful partnership. The film’s overwhelming success not only boosted Sunny Deol’s career but also set the stage for future projects.
Sunny Deol’s Future Ventures
Following the success of Gadar 2, Sunny Deol has several exciting projects lined up. One of the most anticipated is the sequel to his cult classic Border (1997). Border 2, which is slated for release on January 26, 2026, is expected to recreate the magic of the original film. The sequel will also feature Varun Dhawan, adding a fresh dynamic to the beloved war drama.
Sunny Deol’s journey, from the success of Gadar 2 to his upcoming projects, highlights his enduring appeal and versatility as an actor. With Anil Sharma’s continued support and direction, Deol is set to achieve even greater heights in his career.
