After years of speculation and a public fallout, Dostana 2 appears to be getting a fresh lease on life. The project, which was shelved in 2021 after Kartik Aaryan’s reported rift with Karan Johar, had been left in limbo following Dharma Productions’ official statement citing ‘professional circumstances’ and confirming that Kartik would no longer be part of the cast. The announcement at the time led many to believe the film had been indefinitely shelved.
Originally planned as a launchpad for Lakshya alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan, the film never made it to production as expected. Lakshya eventually made his debut with Kill, while Dostana 2 faded from the spotlight, until now.
According to a recent report, the film is being revived with significant changes in its cast. While Lakshya remains attached to the project, Vikrant Massey is now reportedly stepping in to replace Kartik Aaryan. However, the most recent update suggests that the changes go beyond just one replacement.
A reliable source close to the production revealed that although the storyline of Dostana 2 will stay intact, the cast and the director have both been replaced. Janhvi Kapoor, who was originally slated to play the female lead, is no longer part of the project. In her place, the makers are eyeing Sreeleela, whose rising popularity—especially after her much-talked-about dance number in Pushpa 2: The Rule—has caught the industry’s attention. “The story of Dostana 2 will remain the same but the cast and the director have been changed. Janhvi Kapoor, who was roped in to play the female lead earlier, is no longer a part of the film. Instead, the makers are considering Sreeleela for the part. Her dance number in Pushpa 2: The Rule has made her a much sought-after name in the movies. And the team of Dostana 2 are extremely keen on having her in the film,” the source said.
While no official confirmation has been issued yet, the revived interest in Dostana 2 with its refreshed ensemble signals Dharma’s intent to reintroduce the beloved franchise with a modern twist and a promising new cast.
