Subhash Ghai floats 'Taal 2' idea, recalls Roger Ebert's praise for original

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Subhash Ghai floats 'Taal 2' idea, recalls Roger Ebert's praise for original

Synopsis

More than 25 years after 'Taal' became a Bollywood landmark, Subhash Ghai has taken to Instagram to ask fans whether they want a sequel — with a fresh cast and a new director. He paired the question with a rarely shared memory: Hollywood legend Roger Ebert calling the original 'pure entertainment' at a 2005 Chicago screening.

Key Takeaways

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has publicly asked fans if he should produce 'Taal 2' with a new cast and a young director.
The proposal was floated via an Instagram post , with no cast, director, or production timeline announced.
Ghai revealed that late Hollywood critic Roger Ebert praised the original 'Taal' for its 'pure entertainment' and 'innocence' at a 2005 screening in Chicago .
The original 1999 film starred Aishwarya Rai and Akshaye Khanna , with music by A.
Supporting cast included Anil Kapoor , Amrish Puri , and Alok Nath .

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has publicly floated the idea of producing a sequel to his iconic 1999 romantic musical 'Taal', asking fans directly whether they would welcome a 'Taal 2' featuring a fresh cast and a young director. The query, posted on his Instagram account, has reignited conversation around one of Bollywood's most beloved films of the late 1990s.

Ghai's Instagram Post and the Fan Question

In his post, Ghai wrote: 'Do u want me to produce TAAL2 with other young talented director new cast in india ?' The filmmaker did not name any actors or directors for the proposed project, keeping the announcement deliberately open-ended. The post quickly drew responses from fans and film enthusiasts who retain a deep affection for the original.

Roger Ebert's Praise — The Compliment Ghai Treasures Most

Alongside the sequel query, Ghai revisited what he described as the greatest compliment 'Taal' ever received. He recalled a 2005 screening of the film at EbertFest in Chicago, where the late Hollywood critic Roger Ebert — widely regarded as one of the most influential film critics in American cinema history — praised the film in his review.

Ghai quoted Ebert's assessment in his post: Ebert had praised the film's 'pure entertainment' and 'innocence', noting that it captured a joyful, classic Hollywood-style musical spirit that he felt had largely disappeared from American cinema at the time. Ebert was reportedly particularly taken by the music, the choreography, and the performances of Aishwarya Rai and the rest of the cast. Ghai added: 'Felt blessed.'

About the Original 'Taal'

Released in 1999, 'Taal' starred Aishwarya Rai and Akshaye Khanna in the lead roles, with Anil Kapoor, Amrish Puri, and Alok Nath in significant supporting parts. The film's music, composed by Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman, remains a touchstone for Indian music lovers more than two decades on. 'Taal' was a major commercial and critical success, and its soundtrack is still considered among Rahman's finest work.

What a Sequel Could Mean

Ghai's proposal — if it moves beyond social media speculation — would mark his return to a franchise rooted in music-driven romance, a genre that has seen renewed audience appetite with films such as 'Aashiqui 2' and 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar'. Notably, Ghai has indicated he envisions a completely new cast and a younger directorial voice, suggesting the sequel would stand on its own rather than serve as a direct continuation. No production timeline or studio attachment has been announced.

Point of View

Public, and reversible. But a 'Taal 2' without Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna, or A. R. Rahman composing would be a brand sequel in name only. The original's staying power rests almost entirely on Rahman's soundtrack and the chemistry of its leads; a new cast with a debutant director is a significant creative gamble. Ghai would need to answer one hard question before any announcement: what does 'Taal 2' offer that the original's re-release on streaming cannot?
NationPress
23 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Subhash Ghai officially making 'Taal 2'?
No official announcement has been made. Ghai posted a question on Instagram asking fans if they would like him to produce 'Taal 2' with a new cast and a young director, but no production, casting, or studio details have been confirmed.
Who was in the original 'Taal' and who composed its music?
The 1999 film starred Aishwarya Rai and Akshaye Khanna in the leads, with Anil Kapoor, Amrish Puri, and Alok Nath in supporting roles. The music was composed by Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman.
What did Roger Ebert say about 'Taal'?
At a 2005 screening at EbertFest in Chicago, Roger Ebert praised 'Taal' for its 'pure entertainment' and 'innocence', saying it captured a joyful, classic Hollywood-style musical spirit he felt had largely disappeared from American cinema. He was particularly impressed by the music, choreography, and Aishwarya Rai's performance.
Will the original cast return for 'Taal 2'?
According to Ghai's Instagram post, he envisions 'Taal 2' with an entirely new cast and a young director, suggesting the sequel would not be a direct continuation featuring the original stars.
Why does 'Taal' still resonate with audiences today?
'Taal' is widely remembered for A. R. Rahman's chart-topping soundtrack, its visually rich cinematography, and strong lead performances. The film's music has continued to find new listeners across generations, cementing its status as one of Bollywood's enduring romantic musicals.
Nation Press
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