Almost nine years after the last instalment of the Sarkar franchise, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has announced its fourth chapter. The director tells mid-day, “The writing is done. I am starting the shoot in [mid-2026].” Of course, it is impossible to imagine Sarkar without its principal cast — Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. Asked if the father-son duo will return for the fourth film, Varma confirms, “Both Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan will be a part of the film.”

The story began in 2005 with Sarkar, followed by Sarkar Raj (2008) and Sarkar 3 (2017). While the Bachchan duo remained a constant through the franchise, the rest of the cast changed with each instalment. While Varma chose not to divulge the names of any additional cast members, he revealed that he aims to wrap up Sarkar 4 within the year. Post that he will begin work on his previously announced thriller, Syndicate. The director says the project is currently in the casting stage.