Speaking about how the idea first took shape, Dutt revealed that its origins go back to a deeply personal phase of his life. “I got the idea to continue the film while I was in jail. Some of my jail inmates wanted to see me in Khalnayak film again. About 4000 pages were written by as many inmates,” he shared. “It was very difficult for me to read each page, but I did read all. While reading one of the pages, the idea mentioned therein brought that seed in my mind and thus, ‘Khalnayak Returns’ got conceptualised.”

The actor also reflected on his time in prison, offering a rare glimpse into the mindset that shaped him during those years. “While I was in the jail, I felt many times when would I get out. But one Hawaladar told me the day you stop hoping about it, you will feel relief,” he said. “That advice hit hard. The day I stopped hoping about getting out and dealt with life inside the jail normally, I did not feel the challenge of spending time there anymore.”

He continued, “It is brutal but true. Fighting reality every second makes the walls feel tighter. Once you accept the daily routine, the silence and the waiting, time stops dragging. The irony is, inside the jail, when you let go of hoping over release, the release comes without you counting days.”

Looking back at Khalnayak, Dutt acknowledged its lasting impact on his career. “Yes, Khalnayak is a defining film in my career, and it carries emotional and cinematic weight. But at the same time, we are not just relying on nostalgia. We are building something fresh that today’s generation can connect with,” he said.

Over the years, both personally and professionally, the actor believes he has undergone a significant transformation. “Haan, mein ab bahut shanth ho gaya hoon,” he said candidly. “On screen and even in my real life, I have gained loads of maturity. In this lifetime, I learned extremely important lessons going through the ups and downs. I have indeed become matured.”

The upcoming project also brings together collaborators who share a long-standing personal bond with the actor. Speaking about the partnership, Dutt said, “For me, this collaboration feels like working with family. Aksha is like my sister, and our relationship goes way back. There is a deep emotional bond and understanding between us.”

He added that the collaboration with Aspect Entertainment and Jio Studios feels natural. “Coming together feels easy, and I am excited that we will create great films together. We are out for films that connect with audiences and also succeed commercially.”

With Khalnayak Returns, Sanjay Dutt is not just revisiting an iconic role, but also bringing with him a perspective shaped by time, reflection, and experience.