Brahmastra 2 has run into a fresh roadblock just when conversation around the franchise had started heating up again. With Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt tied to the film’s next chapter, the latest shift is happening behind the scenes, where Ayan Mukerji is now back to looking for a major studio partner after Jio Studios stepped away.
That makes this less a casting update and more a crucial business twist for one of Hindi cinema’s biggest fantasy properties. Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, released in 2022, turned the Astraverse into a legitimate theatrical franchise and positioned Mukerji’s long-gestating vision as a rare large-scale original in the mainstream Hindi space.
The Search For A New Studio Partner Gets Urgent
A trade source said, “Ayan Mukerji’s production house, Starlight Pictures Private Limited, was one of the producers of Brahmastra’s first part and the banner holds the rights to the film’s IP. Starlight will be producing Brahmastra 2 and they are looking at a studio partner to come on board.”
The source continued, “The makers were in discussions with Jio Studios to come on board as the studio partner for Brahmastra 2. However, those talks did not materialise and Jio has now decided against associating with the sequel. Interestingly, Star Studios was one of the key partners on the first Brahmastra. With Star’s entertainment business now part of JioStar, and Jio Studios also operating under the larger ecosystem, there was an expectation that the association could continue with the franchise. However, as things stand, neither Jio Studios nor Star Studios is involved with Brahmastra 2.”
The source further revealed, “Dharma Productions, which also produced the first Brahmastra, is also not associated with the second instalment. After Dharma stepped away, Ayan Mukerji initiated discussions with Yash Raj Films (YRF). Aditya Chopra had shown interest in the project, particularly when Ayan was directing War 2 for YRF. However, following the disappointing performance of War 2, YRF decided not to take the discussions forward. Jio Studios subsequently entered the picture, but that association too has not worked out. As a result, the makers are once again looking for the right studio partner for Brahmastra 2.”
What stands out now is the churn behind a film of this scale. Between Dharma Productions exiting, Yash Raj Films not moving ahead and Jio Studios no longer involved, Mukerji is effectively rebuilding the sequel’s support system while holding on to one of the few Hindi film worlds that already has franchise recognition built in.
The Astraverse Still Has Serious Pull
An industry insider added, “Brahmastra was a major theatrical success and the franchise continues to enjoy tremendous recall among audiences. More importantly, the second part is expected to feature Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in leading roles, along with Alia Bhatt in an extended special appearance. That combination itself makes Brahmastra 2 one of the most high-profile Hindi films in development. There will naturally be considerable interest around the film, and if mounted on the right scale, it has all the ingredients for a huge opening. So, despite the recent developments, Ayan and his team should have no shortage of potential studio partners to speak with.”
For Mukerji, the immediate task is clear. He needs a studio partner that can match the ambition, scale and theatrical demands of Brahmastra 2. Even with the latest setback, the franchise remains one of the industry’s most closely watched big-screen plays, and its next move will be followed just as keenly as any casting or release update.
Ayan Mukerji’s last release War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani and Jr NTR was major theatrical disappointment.
Ranbir Kapoor is gearing up for release of Ramayana 1 this year on Diwali and Ramayana 2 next year on Diwali. In between these two biggies, he will also have Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love And War along side Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. He is also committed for another sequel Animal Park which will go on floor next year.
Alia Bhatt is shooting for Tumbbad 2 after her recent YRF’s release Alpha.
Stay tuned with us for the latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, the latest Bollywood news, and the latest box office news.
