What Happens When Bollywood’s Most Anticipated Bromance Gets a Second Shot—But Without Its Original Star?
After languishing in development hell for four long years, Karan Johar’s ambitious rom-com sequel Dostana 2 may finally move forward—with an entirely new bromance partner.
Sources close to the development confirm that the previously shelved project is now back on the table, and Dharma is eyeing Vikrant Massey as Lakshya’s new leading man. After a nasty exit from the production in early 2021 postponed the film after just 21 days of shooting–and after more than a few “creative differences” between Karan and Kartik–the film was halted while still in production.
The film was originally announced back in early 2019 alongside Kartik Aryan, Janhvi Kapoor and newcomer Lakshya and was a completely new take on Karan’s 2008 cult classic Dostana. After an unusually public falling out between Karan and Kartik, the film was put on the indefinite shelf.
Now that Kartik is moving further on with his production of Naagzilla under the same banner, it is only a matter of time until Karan can move forward with the Dostana 2 reboot. A friend of the development team reveals that Lakshya was always established as an integral piece of the reboot. “With Kartik out of the equation, they were tasked with the process of seeking a new partner with the right charm and acting capability.”
Enter Vikrant Massey – riding high on critical buzz from 12th Fail and reportedly snagging a major role in Don 3 – who has emerged as the leading candidate. “He fits the need for what the movie needs – a grounded performer with good screen presence and emotional range,” added the insider.
The sequel is likely to continue its colourful vibe but rework the themes to represent the prevailing social sensibilities. Nothing has been said yet about Janhvi Kapoor’s participation or whether the romantic elements will change at all, given that the original played with bromance.
If it becomes official, the newly formed jodi of Vikrant and Lakshya Lalwani could reinvigorate the franchise and signal a new page in Dharma’s rom-com universe.
Karan Johar’s Dostana 2 appears to have the potential for a long-awaited resurrection, sans original headliner Kartik Aaryan. With Lakshya retained and Vikrant Massey supposedly in the running, Dharma appears to be banking on a more basic and closer-to-performance-centred sequel. If the reboot is happening, we might see a significant paradigm shift in the tone of mainstream Bollywood bromance.
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