Even as the sequel to ‘Cocktail’ begins production next month with Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kriti Sanon in the lead roles, Dinesh Vijan has already set the motion for another sequel project.

PeepingMoon.com has exclusively learned that Maddock Films is now turning their 2019 family comedy, ‘Luka Chuppi,’ into a franchise, with Varun Dhawan and Sharvari on board to frontline the sequel. Varun and Sharvari will take on the lead roles previously played by Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon in the first part. Both actors have given their preliminary approval and are expected to formally sign on once the script is finalized in the coming months.

According to sources, ‘Luka Chuppi 2’ will take a fresh approach by incorporating a supernatural twist into its comedic narrative, setting it apart from the 2019 original, which centered on a couple navigating a live-in relationship complicated by the arrival of their traditional families. The sequel will retain the humorous tone but will have an entirely different storyline. Furthermore, Laxman Utekar, who helmed the original film, will not direct the sequel and will be involved creatively only as a co-producer, with directorial responsibilities now entrusted to one of his associates.

Although both Varun and Sharvari have been parts of Dinesh Vijan's ambitious Horror-Comedy Universe— Varun plays Bhediya, while Sharvari starred in last year's sleeper hit ‘Munjya’— ‘Luka Chuppi 2’ will mark their first collaboration together in a film. The makers were looking for a fresh pairing with electrifying onscreen chemistry, akin to Kartik and Kriti’s in the original, and found their ideal match in Varun and Sharvari.

Production timelines are currently being finalized as both actors have multiple commitments lined up ahead, but Maddock Films is aiming to begin shooting in the first half of 2026. Varun has just finished his father David Dhawan’s romantic comedy, ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai,’ and will soon head to film Sunny Deol-led ‘Border 2.’ He was initially supposed to follow these two films with Anees Bazmee's ‘No Entry 2’ and ‘Bhediya 2,’ but there might be a potential reshuffling in Varun’s date diaries now, with the ‘No Entry’ sequel pushed further after Diljit Dosanjh's exit and ‘Bhediya 2’ also requiring more time in the scripting. 

Nonetheless, Varun has two films scheduled for release this year. Dharma Productions' ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,’ co-starring Janhvi Kapoor, hits cinemas on September 12, while David Dhawan's film, also featuring Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in leads, is eyeing a theatrical release in the last quarter of this year. Varun will also be seen reprising his ‘Bhediya’ role in a cameo appearance in Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer ‘Thama,’ scheduled for release during the Diwali 2025 weekend. 

On the other hand, Sharvari will next be seen alongside Alia Bhatt in Yash Raj Films' first female-led spy thriller, ‘Alpha,’ slated to release on the Christmas weekend this year. Popularly known for her roles in ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2,’ ‘Munjya,’ and ‘Vedaa,’ the young actress has also signed Imtiaz Ali’s next period love story alongside Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, and Naseeruddin Shah. Additionally, she is also in talks for ‘Race 4’ and Sooraj Barjatya's next family drama, starring Ayushmann Khurrana as the new-age Prem.  Stay tuned to Peeping Moon for more updates!