Karan Johar's 'Dostana 2 has been in the headlines since its announcement in 2019. The film is being helmed by director Collin D'Cunha. Karan Johar had announced in 2019 that Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya will star in this film. Dharma Productions, on Friday evening, announced in a tweet that that the lead star of the film, Kartik Aaryan, has been dropped and he won't be a part of this film anymore. The production house in their latest statement said, “Due to professional circumstances, on which we have decided to maintain a dignified silence-we will be recasting Dostana 2 directed by Collin D’Cunha. Please wait for the official announcement soon." “There is buzz that Kartik has expressed creative differences over the script of ‘Dostana 2’. Moreover, his talent agency has not been giving dates for the film and hence the production house has decided to replace the actor.”
Kartik exiting the film, reports also suggest that the makers have gone to actor Rajkummar Rao, who was their first choice before pitching the idea to Kartik Aaryan. Rumours also added that Vicky Kaushal is also likely to be an option for them. Speculations are also rife that Karan has banned Kartik from Dharma Productions since the actor was acting difficult with the makers. The film is already half shot and now it's going to be a challenge for the makers to reshoot it with a new actor who fits the part. "Yes, it's true that this project won't have Kartik Aaryan anymore. I can't tell you all the reasons but yes, it's not been a pleasant experience so far, that's all I can say. It has never happened in the history of Dharma Productions that an actor who has shot a film has been dropped," a source at the production house told NDTV. The film marks the debut of Lakshya with Janhvi Kapoor in the lead. Helmed by Colin D’Cunha, the film had already wrapped up its Chandigarh and Mumbai Schedules. “Around 50 per cent of the film was complete; it was shot at the Chandigarh and Mumbai schedules. Juhi Babbar was playing Kartik's mother, while Raj Babbar was essaying the role of his grandfather. The original film titled Dostana that released in 2008 starred Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan in lead roles.