It was reported earlier this year, that Kartik Aaryan and Katrina Kaif will be seen together for the first time, in Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies film, tentatively titled GOODBYE FREDDY. The film was supposed to be directed by BA Pass fame, Ajay Bahl. The fans were all excited to see the fresh pair first time on screen!
But now we hear that like Dharma Productions’ Dostana 2, the actor has been ousted from this film as well, and apparently the reasons are similar!
According to Film Information, “The main reason for Kartik being dropped from producer Shah Rukh Khan’s film is the same as Dharma Productions’ Dostana 2. This time too, Aaryan wanted the script changed — after having approved of it while signing the film.”
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A source however informed Bollywood Hungama that Kartik Aryan walked out of the project, “Yes, Kartik Aaryan was to feature in Ajay Bahl’s social comedy that was being produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies. However, the actor has now walked out of the project that was supposed to commence shoot in a few months.”
The source adds the reason, “Apparently, creative differences developed between Kartik and the director Ajay Bahl due to which the actor decided on leaving the project. Kartik was not happy with the developed script as it was different from what was narrated to him as a one-liner plot.”
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A third source close to Kartik had a different version to narrate, “Kartik Aaryan had signed on with Red Chillies over two years ago. Recently Kartik shot for Dhamaka during the pandemic which was a thriller. Post shooting for Dhamaka, Kartik informed Red Chillies that he felt that doing another thriller so quickly would not be apt for his career. He requested to opt out and his request was considered. The parting was amicable between Kartik and Red Chillies.”
Since the film had not gone on the sets, Red Chillies Entertainment didn’t incur any losses unlike Dostana 2, where Kartik had already shot for around 20 days and the investment had gone down the drain.
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Apparently, Kartik Aaryan returned the Rs. 2 crore signing amount back to Red Chillies Entertainment. The production house will have to now look for the actor’s replacement opposite Katrina.
Ousted or opted out, it seems that Kartik has a lot of re-thinking to do on his future projects. Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan has Ram Madhvan’s Dhamaka lined up for release this year, likely to release in September. The actor also has Bhool Bhulaiyya 2, directed by Anees Bazmee, sequel to the superhit Akshay starrer.
