Karan Johar’s long-delayed sequel, Dostana 2, has hit another significant roadblock in Mumbai as director Advait Chandan reportedly walked away from the project this week. After seven months of rigorous pre-production and script development at Dharma Productions, Chandan—known for Secret Superstar and Laal Singh Chaddha—cited creative differences for his sudden exit. This development follows the high-profile and controversial departure of Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor earlier, leaving the film’s future in a state of constant flux. However, the project is far from dead; the production house is now pivoting toward a fresh start with Miss India World 2022 Sini Shetty making her debut alongside powerhouse performer Vikrant Massey.
The Advait Chandan Exit: Why the Vision Collapsed
According to reports from Variety India, Advait Chandan had been deeply embedded in the Dostana 2 writers’ room for over half a year. While the industry is often rife with rumors of “ego clashes,” sources close to the development suggest a more professional fallout. The parting was amicable but necessary, as the creative vision of the director and the production house began to diverge during the final stages of the script lock.
For a film that has already seen its lead cast dismantled once before, losing a director at this stage adds a layer of uncertainty that even seasoned industry insiders find unusual for a Dharma project.
A New Chapter: Sini Shetty’s Debut and Vikrant Massey’s Dharma Entry
Despite the directorial vacuum, the casting department is working overtime to breathe new life into the IP. Sini Shetty, who won the Miss India World title in 2022, has reportedly been finalized for the lead role. Shetty, who has been preparing for her acting stint for years, was chosen from a shortlist of three potential candidates. Interestingly, she has already signed a second project—a low-budget thriller—signaling her intent to be a versatile player in the industry.
Joining her is Vikrant Massey, an actor currently at the peak of his career following the success of his recent content-driven films. Confirming the news, Massey told Times Now:
“I think the news is already out. I don’t know why I haven’t been talking about it, but yes, I am doing ‘Dostana 2’. This is my first film with Dharma Productions, and I’m looking forward to it.”
The “What Next” Angle: Plot Shifts and Casting Rumors
While Massey and Shetty are locked in, the status of Lakshya (the actor who was part of the original Kartik-Janhvi trio) remains shaky. Filmfare reports suggest that the actor might no longer be part of the revamped version, with the source stating that “the final cast is yet to be set in stone.”
What is the new story about? Unlike the 2008 cult classic which focused on two men pretending to be gay to share an apartment with a girl, the 2026 iteration is taking a different route. The story reportedly revolves around two sisters who unknowingly fall for the same man, leading to a chaotic blend of romance, sibling rivalry, and the trademark “Dostana” brand of humor.
Behind the Scenes: The Industry Perspective
From an editor’s lens, Dostana 2 has become one of the most difficult projects in Karan Johar’s portfolio. Usually, Dharma Productions operates like a well-oiled machine, but this sequel has faced everything from talent management issues to creative stalemates. By moving away from “A-list” stars like Kartik Aaryan and opting for a combination of a “critic’s favorite” (Massey) and a “fresh face” (Shetty), Johar seems to be shifting the focus from star power to storytelling. The real challenge now lies in finding a director who can take the baton from Chandan and finally take this film to the floors.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
1. Is Kartik Aaryan still part of Dostana 2? No. Following a highly publicized fallout in 2021, Kartik Aaryan was officially replaced, and the film was sent back to the drawing board.
2. Who is the female lead in the new version? Sini Shetty, Miss India World 2022, is set to make her Bollywood debut as the lead in the film.
3. Why did the director leave? Advait Chandan left due to “creative differences” regarding the project’s direction after working on it for seven months.
4. Will the film still be about LGBTQ+ themes? While the original Dostana was a milestone for queer representation in mainstream Bollywood, the current plot focuses on a love triangle involving two sisters. It remains to be seen if the “gay” trope from the first film will be integrated into this new narrative.
