Recent reports suggest that Pratibha Ranta, who garnered attention for her performance in "Laapataa Ladies," is in talks to replace Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead in "Dostana 2". The film, a sequel to the 2008 hit "Dostana," has faced numerous casting changes and delays.

"Dostana 2" was initially announced with Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya in leading roles. However, Kartik Aaryan's departure due to reported creative differences with Karan Johar, the producer, stalled the project. Subsequently, Janhvi Kapoor also exited the film, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments.

Following these changes, the script was reworked, and Vikrant Massey confirmed his involvement in the film alongside Lakshya. While there were earlier rumors of Sreeleela potentially joining the cast as Janhvi's replacement, recent reports indicate that Pratibha Ranta is now the frontrunner for the role.

Vikrant Massey has confirmed that he will be a part of "Dostana 2," marking his first collaboration with Dharma Productions. He also mentioned that the film will showcase him in a new avatar, with designer clothes and shooting locations in Europe. However, Massey has refrained from revealing the name of the female lead, suggesting that Karan Johar will make a formal announcement soon.

Pratibha Ranta's potential casting marks a significant step in her career, transitioning from her critically acclaimed role in "Laapataa Ladies" to a mainstream, big-banner project. Before "Laapataa Ladies," Ranta debuted on television with "Qurbaan Hua" and also appeared in the web series "Aadha Ishq". She has also signed on for Amazon Prime Video's upcoming show, "The Revolutionaries".

"Dostana 2" is considered a spiritual successor to the original "Dostana," a romantic comedy that starred Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Abhishek Bachchan, and John Abraham. The sequel is expected to maintain the humorous and emotional tone of the first film while exploring a fresh storyline.

Lakshya, who was originally cast in "Dostana 2," remains part of the project. He had moved on to star in "Kill" with the same banner after the initial delays. The film is now expected to go on floors in January 2026 and may release by the end of the year. Shauna Gautam is reportedly directing the film.

As of now, official confirmation from Dharma Productions regarding Pratibha Ranta's casting is still awaited. However, if the reports are accurate, "Dostana 2" will feature a fresh trio of Lakshya, Vikrant Massey, and Pratibha Ranta, promising a new and exciting chapter in the "Dostana" franchise.