The Bollywood industry, known for its perpetual romance with cricket-themed films, witnessed a significant box office triumph with the release of ‘Jannat’ in 2008. The resonating melodies of the movie, such as ‘Zara Si Dil Mein De Jaga Tu,’ still linger in the hearts of many fans. Actor Emraan Hashmi, who is celebrated for his captivating performances, particularly shone bright in this film’s saga, embarking on a journey that delved into the intricate and often shadowy realms of cricket betting.
And now, the charismatic star, Emraan Hashmi, who commands a significant following on social media platforms like Instagram, has brought forth stirring news concerning the cherished ‘Jannat’ series. As the actor approached his birthday on March 24, he indulged audiences with an exciting morsel of information about the conceivable third installment of this esteemed cricket-oriented film franchise, previously managed by the adept Kunal Deshmukh.
The original ‘Jannat’ movie, which was a smashing success at the box office, marked the debut of actress Sonal Chauhan and depicted a gritty narrative spinning around cricket betting. Emraan’s portrayal captivated viewers as he navigated through a thorny path of love and ambition. Its sequel in 2012 showcased a transformation in the lead character played by Emraan, now an arms dealer who ultimately becomes an informant for a stringent cop, a role embodied by Randeep Hooda. The sequel further introduced Esha Gupta to the silver screen.
In a candid discussion with the esteemed Hindustan Times, Emraan Hashmi expressed his desire to reprise his role in what would be an aged but refreshing narrative—comparing the potential sequel to ‘old wine in a new bottle.’ Yet, he seemed to harbor some reservations, citing the indispensable reunion of the creative duo, Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, as a crucial factor for the sequel to materialize. Despite his enthusiasm, the actor seemed to resign himself to the hands of fate, acknowledging the uncertainty of this dream project while affirming his enduring love for the craft of acting.
The versatile actor has also been gathering acclaim for his remarkable performance in the recently aired ‘Showtime,’ a production by Sumit Roy and directed by Mihir Desai. In this show, Emraan Hashmi slips into the role of a producer, unveiling the curtains to expose the inner workings, nepotism, and power dynamics within Bollywood’s multi-million-dollar industry. This provocative series is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, with a stellar cast that includes Mouni Roy, Naseeruddin Shah, Shriya Saran, and Mahima Makwana.
Recently, Emraan was seen in ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan,’ a historical thriller drama where he portrays the revolutionary figure Ram Manohar Lohia. This fictional narrative, set on the historical canvas of the 1942 Quit India Movement, finds its inspiration in the archived tales from India’s struggle for independence. Directed by Kannan Iyer and co-written with Darab Farooqui, the film stars Sara Ali Khan as the lead character and features a potent lineup of actors such as Sachin Khedekar, Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastav, Alexx O’Neil, and Anand Tiwari. The movie was released on Amazon Prime Video on March 21, intriguing viewers with its reflection of a seminal struggle from the past.
Hashmi’s adeptness at navigating diverse roles—from the lover ensnared in the web of cricket betting to the contemplative freedom fighter—demonstrates his dynamic range as an actor and his unceasing commitment to the art form. As the bell tolls for the possibility of ‘Jannat 3,’ fans eagerly await the series’ culmination, hoping that the team’s convergence will turn the tide in favor of a new chapter in this enthralling cinema saga.
