Why Dostana 2 Keeps Running Into Trouble: A Timeline Of The Rom-Com Sequel’s Setbacks

For a film that once seemed designed as a breezy extension of one of Dharma Productions’ most popular rom-coms, Dostana 2 has had a strangely turbulent journey. What began as a flashy, youth-driven follow-up to the 2008 hit Dostana has, over the years, turned into one of Bollywood’s most discussed stalled projects, shaped by public exits, casting changes, creative disagreements and repeated restarts.

As of June 2026, the film is reportedly back in uncertain territory after director Advait Chandan stepped away from the project due to creative differences. His exit adds another chapter to a long-running saga that has kept the Karan Johar-backed sequel away from the big screen for more than seven years. Dostana 2 Was Announced With A Fresh Young

Cast

The journey began in 2019 when Dharma Productions officially announced Dostana 2 as a spiritual successor to the 2008 romantic comedy, which starred Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra. The sequel was initially expected to feature Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor and Lakshya in lead roles, with Collin D’Cunha attached as director.

At the time, the film generated strong buzz. The original Dostana had become popular for its comedy, music and stylish treatment, and there was curiosity around how Dharma would update the franchise for a new generation. The sequel was expected to offer a contemporary take on relationships, identity and modern romance with younger faces at the centre.

The project reportedly entered pre-production and even began limited filming before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schedules across the film industry.

Kartik Aaryan’s Exit Became The Film’s First Big Setback

The biggest blow came in April 2021, when Dharma Productions announced that Kartik Aaryan would no longer be part of the film. In its statement, the production house said that due to “professional circumstances,” the team had decided to maintain “a dignified silence” and recast the film.

By then, reports suggested that around 20 to 35 days of filming had already taken place. Janhvi Kapoor later confirmed in interviews that the film had begun shooting before the pandemic, though she said she did not fully know why it was shelved.

Kartik’s exit immediately became one of Bollywood’s most talked-about controversies. Several reports speculated about creative differences, date issues and tension between the actor and producer Karan Johar. None of these claims were officially confirmed in detail, but the damage to the project’s momentum was undeniable.

After that, Dostana 2 effectively came to a halt.

The Film Remained In Limbo For Years

Between 2021 and 2024, Dostana 2 slipped into what is often described as development hell. There were occasional murmurs of a revival, but nothing concrete materialised for years.

The project reportedly struggled with multiple issues, including script concerns, narrative direction and casting uncertainty. Reinventing the original Dostana for a newer audience was always going to be tricky. The 2008 film belonged to a very specific pop-cultural moment, and its humour around two straight men pretending to be gay would need careful reworking for contemporary sensibilities.

As the years passed, the sequel became less of an upcoming film and more of an industry talking point, often mentioned in conversations around projects that were announced with fanfare but never reached the finish line.

Dharma Tried To Revive Dostana 2 With A New Cast

After a long silence, the project appeared to find fresh life in 2025. Reports suggested that Dharma Productions was attempting to revive Dostana 2 with a new creative direction and a revised cast.

Vikrant Massey was reportedly brought in as the new male lead, replacing Kartik Aaryan. He even publicly acknowledged the project as his first film with Karan Johar’s banner. Lakshya was said to remain attached to the film, while Pratibha Ranta was reportedly being considered for the female lead after Janhvi Kapoor moved on due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments.

This phase briefly made it seem like Dostana 2 was finally finding its footing again. With Vikrant’s credibility, Lakshya’s continued association and a fresher casting approach, the film looked like it might return with a more grounded, contemporary tone.

More Delays Followed In 2026

However, the revival did not move as smoothly as expected. By early 2026, reports once again pointed towards uncertainty around the cast and schedule. Pre-production reportedly continued without firm shooting dates, making it difficult for actors to stay attached indefinitely.

In March 2026, reports suggested that Lakshya might also consider walking out due to repeated delays and lack of clarity on the production timeline. While nothing was officially confirmed, the speculation indicated that the film was once again struggling to hold its team together.

For a project that had already lost years, every delay made it harder to retain actors, directors and audience interest.

Advait Chandan’s Exit Puts Dostana 2 Back In Uncertainty

The latest setback came in June 2026, when reports claimed that Advait Chandan had exited Dostana 2 after spending months developing the film. The reason cited was creative differences.

This is a significant setback because Chandan’s involvement had suggested that the film was moving closer to production. His departure now reportedly forces Dharma Productions to restart the search for a director, pushing the project back into uncertainty yet again.

As things stand, Dostana 2 does not have a confirmed director, a fully locked cast or an official shooting schedule.

Why Does Dostana 2 Keep Getting Stuck?

The film’s troubles appear to come from a mix of recurring issues. Creative differences have repeatedly affected the project, first with Kartik Aaryan’s exit and now with Advait Chandan reportedly stepping away. Scheduling has also been a major hurdle, especially for a film that has spent years trying to come together while actors’ calendars keep shifting.

The script may be another major challenge. Updating Dostana for today’s audience is not as simple as creating another glossy rom-com. The original film’s premise and humour would need to be reimagined in a way that feels sensitive, fresh and relevant without losing the franchise’s commercial charm.

Long delays have also hurt the film’s momentum. When a project remains inactive for years, cast members move on, creative priorities change and the excitement around the announcement begins to fade.

What Happens To Dostana 2 Now?

For now, Dostana 2 remains in development, but its future is unclear. Vikrant Massey and Lakshya continue to be the most frequently mentioned names, but nothing appears to be fully locked. With Advait Chandan’s reported exit, Dharma Productions will need to find a new filmmaker who can shape the sequel into something viable for today’s audience.

The original Dostana was light, glossy and instantly popular. Its sequel, ironically, has become one of Bollywood’s most complicated rom-com projects. Whether Dostana 2 finally finds its way back or remains stuck in another long pause will depend on how quickly Dharma can resolve its creative, casting and scheduling problems.

For now, the film remains a classic case of a Bollywood sequel that keeps promising a comeback, only to run into a fresh roadblock each time it seems ready to move forward.