New Delhi [India], March 29: The beloved genre breaking sleeper hit film ‘Ek Chalis Ki Last Local’, a dark comedy starring Abhay Deol, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Neha Dhupia is finally poised for a long-awaited sequel with a twist: this time, the chaos unfolds not in Mumbai’s gritty local trains but against the stunning vistas of Chile. Director Sanjay Khanduri, who penned and helmed the original cult classic, confirmed plans for the follow-up, teasing a plot that’s “bigger, madder, and global.”
The original film, made on a humble budget, became a surprise sensation, grossing silently revenues more than 20 times post release garnering over ₹72 crores till now across formats and amassing a dedicated fanbase of over 20 million. Its quirky funny narrative— a one-night misadventure of protagonist after missing Mumbai’s last local train—resonated globally, particularly in Latin America. Now, Khanduri plans to upend the premise: “This time missing the last ride not in Mumbai but in a foreign land—Chile’s surreal landscapes should a thrilling new dimension to the story,” he shared.
Initially eyeing Morocco’s nightscapes, Khanduri after a five-day Chilean government’s hosted tour is now got captivated by the country’s cinematic diversity and is now planning to take the film there — from the Milky Way-lit Atacama Desert to Valparaiso’s colourful hill city and Santiago’s night pulse—he called Chile “a filmmaker’s dream.” “Unlike most Europeans, the people here resemble Indians, with sharp features, black hair and warm smiles. It’s an organic fit for Bollywood,” Khanduri quoted, praising Chile’s blend of natural grandeur and cosmopolitan energy.
Chile’s ProChile agency orchestrated an elaborate tour for Khanduri and fellow Indian filmmakers, showcasing diverse locales ranging from :
Viña Del Mar: A coastal gem with turquoise waters a city that looks like Monte Carlo.
Valparaíso: A UNESCO-preserved port city with rainbow-colored houses and art graffiti filled streets, all on a huge hill by the blue sea.
Atacama Desert: A stargazer’s paradise with extra-terrestrial looking landscapes and star filled clearest night sky of the world.
Santiago: A bustling metropolis blending skyscrapers, clubs and French colonial charm with majestic snow-capped Andes mountains as backdrop.
Khanduri continues that “The government has offered generous incentives, including tax rebates and logistical support, to welcome Bollywood filmmakers.. Chile wants to be India’s gateway to Latin America,”. Khanduri met with arts & culture ministers and local international producers like Fabúla productions (A Fantastic Woman) and Parox (Narcos: Mexico). Discussions cantered on blending Bollywood’s storytelling flair with Chile’s technical expertise for global platforms like Latin America’s Netflix and Amazon Prime.
The sequel’s Chilean pivot isn’t coincidental. The original film ‘Ek Chalis…’ found unexpected fame in Mexico, won multiple awards there and Khanduri aims to deepen ties. “Chilean youth adore Bollywood music and dance— on meeting we were surprised when a few sang ‘Kya Hua Jo Laree Chooti’ to us!” he laughed, referencing the film’s chart-topping track that alone supposedly recouped the film’s budget.
With the trend of re-releasing cult Bollywood classics gaining momentum, like ‘Satya’, Andaz Apna Apana’ fans are hopeful that ‘Ek Chalis Ki Last Local’ will return to theatres before its sequel hits the big screen. The film’s quirky plot, dark humor, and unique fast narrative had earned it a dedicated fan base upon release. “A re-release would reintroduce its brilliance to Gen Z” said one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Khanduri hasn’t ruled it out: “Let’s see — right now, script is being reloaded and Chile’s calling!”
As Bollywood eyes global horizons, ‘Ek Chalis Ki Last Local – Reloaded’ could mark the dawn of a new Bollywood-Latin cinematic era.
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Divya Agarwal
