Renowned filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar, celebrated for directing hits like "Sultan," "Tiger Zinda Hai," and "Jogi," has made a significant return to Yash Raj Films (YRF), one of India's leading film studios. This move has fueled speculation that Zafar might be gearing up to take on the directorial role for the highly anticipated sequel to the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer blockbuster, "Pathaan."

The original "Pathaan," produced on a budget of ₹270 crores, achieved monumental success, grossing ₹1050 crores worldwide. This success not only cemented the film as one of YRF's most lucrative ventures but also revitalized the spy thriller genre in Bollywood, further expanding YRF's 'Spy Universe,' which includes hits like "Ek Tha Tiger" and "War."

With the departure of "Pathaan" director Siddharth Anand to work on "War 2" and "Fighter," which he is producing under his own banner, the likelihood of Zafar helming "Pathaan 2" has increased. Zafar has a history of delivering major successes for YRF, making him a strong contender to direct the sequel.

While there hasn't been an official confirmation regarding Zafar's involvement in "Pathaan 2," the buzz around his return to YRF suggests that something significant is on the horizon. Fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting updates, hopeful that Zafar's expertise in storytelling and action will bring another thrilling installment to the big screen.

In the meantime, YRF continues to expand its spy universe, with the latest addition being "Alpha," a film starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh. Directed by Shiv Rawail, known for the streaming series "The Railway Men," "Alpha" is the first female-led film in YRF's spy universe, marking a new chapter in the studio's blockbuster franchise, created by producer Aditya Chopra.