Dharma Productions is officially reviving its much-talked-about project Dostana 2, but this time, it¡¯s coming with a twist! After being shelved in 2019 following a reported fallout between Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar, the romantic comedy is now being reimagined as a direct-to-OTT film with a completely new cast and team.
Originally starring Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya, the film was scrapped after just 20 days of shooting. But four years later, the project is being restarted from scratch for Amazon Prime Video. And the new lead cast? As per a PeepingMoon report, Vikrant Massey and Lakshya will now play the two male protagonists, both gay characters, while the makers are planning to bring in rising sensation Sreeleela as the female lead, replacing Janhvi.
Sreeleela, who gained major attention for her dance number in Pushpa 2: The Rule, is currently being considered for the part due to her growing popularity, reports another News18 report. She¡¯s currently shooting for Anurag Basu¡¯s next film with Kartik Aaryan, and if finalised, Dostana 2 will be her debut collaboration with Dharma and her first mainstream Hindi rom-com.
Vikrant Massey is expected to play the role that was originally written for Kartik. Lakshya, fresh from the international praise for his action film Kill, will take on a charming and romantic role opposite Vikrant. Dostana 2 will be directed by Advait Chandan, known for Secret Superstar, Laal Singh Chaddha, and Loveyapa. He replaces Collin D'Cunha, who had to opt out due to other commitments, particularly Call Me Bae Season 2.
Production is tentatively set to begin in November 2025, depending on Vikrant Massey¡¯s schedule, who is also committed to two big projects - the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar biopic and Don 3. Though he has not officially signed the deal yet, his inclusion would mark his first film with Dharma Productions.
Interestingly, Dostana 2 becomes Dharma¡¯s second sequel to shift from theatres to OTT after Student of the Year 3, which is being made as a web series for JioHotstar. This also adds to Dharmatic Entertainment¡¯s growing partnership with Amazon Prime Video, making this their sixth project together, following Love Storiyaan, Ae Watan Mere Watan, Call Me Bae, The Tribe, and Daring Partners.
Meanwhile, Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan have buried the hatchet. They are now working on two new films together - one, a romantic comedy with Ananya Panday directed by Sameer Vidwans, and the other, a creature comedy called Naagzilla, directed by Fukrey filmmaker Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, expected to go on floors by late 2025.
With a new cast, a new platform, and a bold new approach, do you think Dostana 2 will be worth all the controversy and chaos? Drop your thoughts @indiatimes.
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