Actor and producer Priyanka Chopra has announced the development of Ventilator 2, a sequel to the 2016 Marathi film that served as the inaugural project for her production banner, Purple Pebble Pictures. This announcement coincides with the company’s tenth anniversary, marking a return to the project that established her presence in regional cinema production.
The original Ventilator, which was set during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, followed the interconnected lives of the Kamerkar family. The narrative focused on the family gathering at a hospital after an elderly relative named Gajanan was placed on a ventilator. Despite the sombre premise, the film explored the dynamics of strained relationships, unresolved disagreements, and the complexities of familial bonds, often infusing the high-stress environment with humour.
The 2016 film featured an ensemble cast including Ashutosh Gowariker, Jitendra Joshi, Sulabha Arya, Viju Khote, Satish Alekar, and Achyut Potdar. Priyanka Chopra Jonas also made a special appearance in the film. Upon its release, it garnered significant critical and commercial appreciation, winning three National Film Awards, including a Best Director accolade for Rajesh Mapuskar, alongside honours for Best Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
Announcing the return of the franchise on social media, Chopra reflected on the founding principles of Purple Pebble Pictures. She noted that when she established the banner, her objective was to foster storytelling that carried genuine meaning. She described the original film as a pivotal story for the company, expressing that returning to the project after a decade represents a significant milestone for her and her team as they continue to expand their creative footprint.
Rajesh Mapuskar is set to return to the director’s chair for the sequel. Production duties will be handled by Priyanka Chopra, Dr. Madhu Chopra, and Mapuskar, operating under the banner of Purple Pebble Pictures in collaboration with Magij Pictures. While the official announcement confirms the continuation of the franchise, specific details regarding the cast, plot trajectory, and the commencement of the shooting schedule have not yet been disclosed by the producers.
The announcement has set a target release window for 2027. This project continues the broader mission of Purple Pebble Pictures, which has spent the last decade working to bring regional cinema from various parts of India to a wider audience. Since the success of their debut, the production house has supported several other Marathi projects, including titles such as Paani and Firebrand, as part of its ongoing effort to champion diverse narratives across the Indian film industry.
As fans and industry observers look forward to the sequel, the focus remains on how the production house will evolve the narrative established by the first film. Having built a reputation for backing significant regional stories, the collaboration between Chopra and Mapuskar for the second installment is viewed as a continuation of their commitment to the Marathi film landscape that defined their initial success ten years ago.
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