Sekhar Kammula Breaks Silence on Leader 2: "The Story Must Match Today’s India"

Filmmaker Sekhar Kammula has finally addressed the long-standing speculation around Leader 2, the much-anticipated sequel to his acclaimed 2010 political drama Leader. Speaking during promotions for his upcoming film Kubera, Kammula confirmed that the idea of a sequel has been with him for some time—but the evolving political landscape and societal mindset continue to pose creative challenges.

Released in 2010, Leader marked the debut of Rana Daggubati and was produced by the legendary AVM Productions. While its initial box-office performance was modest, the film steadily gained a cult following for its honest take on politics, youth leadership, and corruption. Over the years, Leader has come to be regarded as a milestone in Telugu political cinema, with growing calls for a sequel—fuelled in part by Rana himself expressing interest in reprising his role.

Kammula, however, is taking a measured approach.
“I wanted to make a sequel to Leader. The thought was there early on, but politics have changed—and more importantly, the people of India have changed,” he said. “I need that one strong line, a new core, to justify the sequel. The mindset of the people has evolved more than that of politicians.”

While he hinted that a script is nearly complete, Kammula remains uncertain about its relevance to today’s socio-political climate. His comments suggest that Leader 2—if it happens—won’t just be a continuation, but a reimagining grounded in present-day realities.

For now, his attention is firmly on Kubera, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna, which hits screens this Friday. He is also in early talks with actor Nani for another project, backed by SVCLLP—the same banner behind Love Story and Kubera.

While there is no official confirmation yet, Kammula’s thoughtful remarks make one thing clear: Leader 2 will emerge only when the story truly reflects the complexities of today’s India.