After the underwhelming box office performance of War 2, filmmaker Ayan Mukerji is reportedly stepping back from directing Dhoom 4 and turning his focus to Brahmastra 2, the sequel to his 2022 fantasy
epic. The director has already begun work on the project, which will once again star Ranbir Kapoor, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama.
War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, was expected to be one of the biggest action films of the year but failed to meet expectations at the box office. Following its performance, there were strong reports that Mukerji would next helm Dhoom 4 for Yash Raj Films (YRF), with Ranbir Kapoor in the lead. However, new information suggests that Mukerji has decided to move away from the franchise altogether.
A source told the publication, “Ayan believes that films like War 2 and Dhoom 4 were never meant for him, and he wants to do something a lot wider with scope for romance, drama with spectacle vibes and storytelling.”
The insider added that the filmmaker’s creative involvement in War 2 was limited. “Ayan was just executing what was written on paper by Shridhar Raghavan, and had little say on the script and screenplay. He does not want to be on another journey of just execution, as he is a passionate filmmaker who prefers to exclusively work on the written material and bring more to the screen than what’s written,” the source revealed.
According to the same report, Mukerji discussed his decision with both Ranbir Kapoor and YRF head Aditya Chopra, and they were understanding of his stance.
Speculation about Mukerji’s return to the Brahmastra franchise began after he shared a set of pictures from the mountains on Instagram with the caption “Pt. 2.” The post hinted at his renewed focus on the fantasy universe he created.
Sharing an update on the project, the source said, “Ayan is now working on Brahmastra 2 and will take the film on floors in 2026. The writing work is concluded, and some polishing is going on during his stay in the Himalayas.”
While Mukerji’s exit leaves YRF without a confirmed director for Dhoom 4, discussions are reportedly underway within the studio. Sources suggest that some within YRF have proposed that Aditya Chopra take the reins himself, especially since Ranbir Kapoor has already allocated dates for the project.
Chopra, who last directed Befikre in 2016, has yet to confirm whether he will return to the director’s chair for the next Dhoom instalment.
