The status of Dostana 2, a sequel to the 2008 hit Dostana, has been subject to much speculation and change. Initially announced in 2019 with Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya in the lead roles, the film faced significant hurdles, including the departure of Kartik Aaryan due to creative differences with Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. This led to a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding the film's future.
Janhvi Kapoor's Exit and Sreeleela's Potential Entry
Janhvi Kapoor was initially cast as one of the leads in Dostana 2. However, after Kartik Aaryan's departure and the subsequent shelving of the film, the project was revived with a new direction and cast. According to reports from May 2025, Janhvi Kapoor is no longer part of the film. Instead, Sreeleela, a rising star in Bollywood, is being considered to replace her as the female lead. Sources suggest that Sreeleela's growing popularity and impressive dance number in Pushpa 2: The Rule have made her a sought-after name in the industry, making her a potential fit for Dostana 2.
Sreeleela's Rising Bollywood Profile
Sreeleela has been making significant strides in Bollywood. Besides the buzz surrounding her potential role in Dostana 2, she is also filming a new movie with Kartik Aaryan, directed by Anurag Basu. Dostana 2 would mark her first romantic comedy in Bollywood and her first project with Dharma Productions.
The New Cast and Production Details
As of late September 2025, Vikrant Massey has confirmed that he will be headlining Dostana 2 alongside Lakshya. This film marks Massey's first venture with Dharma Productions. While Massey and Lakshya's involvement is confirmed, the female lead remains under wraps, with announcements expected to be made by Karan Johar.
Dostana 2 is being conceptualized as a theatrical film with music, comedy, romance, and drama. The film is slated for a release at the end of 2026 and is currently in the pre-production stage, with filming scheduled to begin in January 2026. Initial reports suggested Collin D'Cunha as the director, but there are ongoing talks about Advait Chandan taking over the director's seat. The script is undergoing revisions to suit the theatrical format.
Reasons for Previous Delays and Cast Changes
The original Dostana 2 project faced numerous challenges. Janhvi Kapoor revealed that the initial shoot, with Kartik Aaryan and Lakshya, lasted for about 30 to 35 days before the project was shelved. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays, and there were also reports of creative differences and unprofessional behavior that led to Kartik Aaryan's departure. Some reports suggest that a fallout between Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor further complicated the situation.
Other Projects of Sreeleela
Sreeleela has several projects in the pipeline for 2025 and beyond. She stars in Junior, an Indian action drama film that was released on July 18, 2025. She is also cast in Mass Jathara, scheduled to release on October 31, 2025.
While Sreeleela is rumored to be in Dostana 2, the official announcement is still pending. If cast, she would join Vikrant Massey and Lakshya in this revived Dharma Productions project.
