In 2019, Dharma Productions announced ‘Dostana 2’ starring Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya (‘Kill’ fame) in lead roles. However, the film was abruptly shelved after just 20 days of shooting due to reported professional differences between Kartik and Karan Johar. Now, four years after the highly publicized fallout, KJo is not only teaming up with Kartik on two new films, but also revisiting the ‘Dostana’ sequel with a fresh cast.

PeepingMoon.com has exclusively learned that Dharma Productions is now redeveloping ‘Dostana 2’ as a digital film for Amazon Prime Video (and not Netflix, as is being speculated). They are reviving this project from scratch, with the script undergoing substantial revisions to suit the OTT format. Vikrant Massey and Lakshya will now star in the lead roles of two gays, while the heroine is yet to be finalized. Janhvi, who was previously cast, is no longer associated with this revamped project. 

Vikrant is said to be taking on the role originally intended for Kartik, while Lakshya, whose performance in the internationally acclaimed ‘Kill’ got significant attention last year, will play a role Vikrant's character is romantically drawn to. Advait Chandan, renowned for directing ‘Secret Superstar,’ ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ and the recently released ‘Loveyapa,’ will now direct this comedy drama. He has taken the directorial baton from Collin D’Cunha, who was earlier supposed to helm it but had to step down due to his commitment to ‘Call Me Bae’ Season 2. 

Shooting timelines will be decided upon the availability of Vikrant as he has two more films — the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar biopic, and ‘Don 3’ — to finish, and the makers are looking to start production on ‘Dostana 2’ around November. Vikrant is yet to sign the contract, but if finalized, this project will mark his first collaboration with Dharma and another addition of a high-profile title to his lucrative filmography. 

‘Dostana 2’ will also mark Dharma Productions’ second project to take the OTT route for sequels. The production house is already working on ‘Student of the Year 3’ as a web series for Jio Hotstar. It also solidifies Dharmatic Entertainment’s partnership with Amazon Prime Video, marking their sixth collaboration following ‘Love Storiyaan,’ ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan,’ ‘Call Me Bae,’ ‘The Tribe,’ and the upcoming ‘Daring Partners.’

Meanwhile, Karan and Kartik have seemingly mended their professional relationship and are collaborating on two new films. The first is a romantic comedy directed by Sameer Vidwans, co-starring Ananya Panday, while the second is ‘Naagzilla,’ a creature comedy helmed by ‘Fukrey’ fame Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, which is expected to start filming by the end of 2025.