Bollywood fans, rejoice! One of Indian cinema's most beloved stories is officially getting a follow-up. Sixteen years after the original film's release, a sequel to the blockbuster '3 Idiots' is now in active development. The iconic team of director Rajkumar Hirani and superstar Aamir Khan is reuniting to bring back the magic, alongside original cast members R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi.
The Long-Awaited Sequel Takes Shape
According to industry reports, the core creative team has locked the central premise for '3 Idiots 2'. The project is currently in the crucial scripting stage, with the screenplay being meticulously developed. Insiders reveal that the makers are prioritizing a strong and meaningful narrative and are not rushing the process. The film is tentatively scheduled to go on floors, meaning begin principal photography, around June or July of 2026.
The steady progress on the script indicates a clear roadmap. The story's foundation is set, and the writers are now fleshing out the scenes and dialogues. This deliberate pace underscores the team's commitment to quality, aiming to craft a sequel that lives up to the legacy of the 2009 classic, which tackled education system pressures with humor and heart.
Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic Pushed Back
The green light for '3 Idiots 2' has had a direct impact on another ambitious project from the same duo. The planned biopic on the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, starring Aamir Khan and directed by Hirani, has been put on hold.
The decision stems from the team's desire to do justice to Phalke's monumental legacy. They feel the script for the biopic requires more refinement to fully and honestly capture his life's journey. With the sequel now taking precedence for a mid-2026 start, the Phalke film will see a delayed timeline, commencing only when the script meets the makers' high standards for depth and impact.
Cast Nostalgia and Excitement Builds
As news of the sequel breaks, nostalgia is flooding back for the cast. Sharman Joshi, who played the endearing Raju Rastogi, recently reminisced about his casting in the original film. He recalled receiving the final confirmation call from Rajkumar Hirani ('Raju sir') while he was at the gym.
"He told me, 'Ab 3 saal tak tu gym ki shakal nahi dekhega' (Now you won't see the face of a gym for 3 years)," Joshi shared with a laugh. He described the entire '3 Idiots' experience as a 'fairytale', a feeling that persists to this day. Joshi also credited his role in the film 'Style' for catching Hirani's eye, which eventually led to his casting in the iconic college comedy.
The confirmation of this sequel has undoubtedly sent waves of excitement through the industry and fans alike. The prospect of seeing the original trio—Aamir Khan's Rancho, R. Madhavan's Farhan, and Sharman Joshi's Raju—back on screen after nearly two decades is a powerful draw. With Hirani's signature storytelling at the helm, '3 Idiots 2' is poised to be one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of 2026 and beyond.
