KGF-Chapter 3 to go on floors only in 2025; franchise to have change of guard

In April last year, when Rocking Star Yash’s KGF: Chapter 2 released and took the box office by storm, producer Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films made an announcement. Since the film’s post-credit scene that teases the possibility of a third instalment in the KGF saga was public knowledge by then, an over-excited Vijay not only confirmed that KGF: Chapter 3 was part of the banner’s upcoming movie roster, but also went ahead and said that they were looking at going on floors as early as October or November of 2022. The fact that Yash had not taken off his KGF look – the long locks and beard – even after the release, with what was initially thought to be the last chapter in the saga, had audiences speculating that the actor would indeed continue with the franchise immediately. It was also rumoured that he would first work on a cameo as KGF’s Rocky Bhai in the banner’s next, Prabhas’ Salaar.

But within days of the KGF3 in October story going viral, the production house backtracked and said there was no timeline in sight for when they would go on floors with it. An end of 2022 start for KGF3 was unlikely anyway, given that director Prashant Neel is still working on Salaar and is committed to a film with NTR Jr before he can return home and plan the next chapter. Also, Yash, whose next is one of the most discussed topics on social media, said that he was working with a team on something exciting and promised an update shortly.

The latest from Vijay Kiragandur is that KGF: Chapter 3 will take off only sometime in 2025, which should mean that it will be in theatres only in 2026. The KGF franchise, he added will be an ongoing project, with multiple parts, like a James Bond flick. The team may even look at replacing the leading man after the fifth instalment. KGF: Chapter 3, meanwhile, is expected to cover the time period between the late 70s and early 80s, when Rocky Bhai went on to become the world’s most wanted criminal. The second film ended with what looked like the character meeting a watery grave, while taking all of his gold reserves out to sea. Fans, however speculate that the character may not have died after all.