After years of speculation and delays, Karan Johar’s Dostana 2 is officially back on track. The sequel to the 2008 hit comedy is set to be a theatrical release, blending elements of music, comedy, romance, and drama. Principal photography is scheduled to commence in January 2026, with a projected release towards the end of the same year.
Sources close to the development have confirmed that actor Vikrant Massey has been cast as the male lead, alongside Lakshya, who will play the second lead. The film will also introduce a new female talent, marking her debut in a significant role. The production team is currently finalizing the director, with an official announcement expected in the coming weeks.
The original Dostana, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, featured John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan in a comedic narrative centered around a same-sex relationship. The sequel aims to build upon this foundation, incorporating contemporary themes and progressive storytelling to resonate with today’s audience.
Notably, Dostana 2 has experienced its share of challenges. The project was initially announced with Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya in lead roles. However, due to reported creative differences, Kartik Aaryan exited the film in 2021, leading to a temporary shelving of the project. Janhvi Kapoor, who had shot for approximately 30-35 days, expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind the film’s halt, attributing it to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the new cast and creative direction, Dostana 2 is set to embark on a fresh journey, aiming to capture the essence of its predecessor while introducing a modern narrative. Fans can look forward to the official announcement of the director and further details in the near future.