Kartik Aaryan was scheduled to headline ‘Dostana 2’, produced by Karan Johar’s banner Dharma Productions, but the project fell through after months of shooting.
The announcement comes days after Karan Johar said he was open to working with Kartik Aaryan. On Wednesday, Karan’s banner Dharma Productions announced that it is collaborating with Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures to produce an untitled film starring Kartik and directed by Sandeep Modi.
On the occasion of Kartik’s 33rd birthday, Dharma Productions official social media account announced a new collaboration with Kartik. The Instagram caption read, “Lights, camera, and…surprise!” (clapperboard emoji) We are excited to announce a new story that has found a home with Dharma Productions and his Balaji Telefilms. Starring Kartik Aaryan and directed by Sandeep Modi, this yet to be titled film will be released on 15th August, 2025. Stay tuned!”
Karan Johar also took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the announcement with this caption, “Kickstarting today with some special news on a special day! Extremely thrilled to announce @dharmamovies and @balajimotionpictures coming together for a film helmed by the exceptionally talented @sandeipm. I find myself elated to also announce the supremely talented @kartikaaryan as our lead for this story that will unfold in cinemas on 15th August, 2025!”
He also wished Kartik on his birthday. “Kartik, happy birthday to you… may our collaboration only grow from strength to strength from hereon and never cease to create magic on the big screen (red heart emojis),” Karan wrote.
Kartik also took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the announcement. He writes, “This unforgettable chapter of India’s glorious history, full of courage and sacrifice, will now become a part of my life and a subject close to my heart… Very proud and excited to embark on a new journey.” “The talented @sandeep_modi and the powerful #karanjohar and @EktaaRKapoor (cracker emoji).”
Kartik was originally from Tarun – Mansukhani’s 2008 blockbuster hit Dostana, starring Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Colin Ducunha, has signed on to star in Dostana 2, a romantic comedy directed by Abhishek Bachchan and Colin D’Cunha, Priyanka Chopra. Backed by Dharma Productions, ‘Dostana 2’ also featured Janhvi Kapoor and newcomer Lakshya.
However, Dostana 2 was shelved due to some conflicts on the set of the film. While both Kartik and Karan have chosen to remain dignified and silent on the matter, Dharma has said that the film will be recast and remade.
In a recent interview with media, Karan Johar made it clear that even though Dostana 2 did not do well, he would like to collaborate with Kartik again. He said, “We almost made the film, but for various reasons it didn’t happen. But never say never. This feature has something powerful in store for both of us.” We don’t know anything about Dostana, but this film will be decisive for both of us.”
Although this is his first collaboration with director Sandeep Modi, he last year collaborated with the filmmaker’s close aide Ram Madhvani on the Netflix thriller Dhamaka. Kartik will also be seen in Chandu Champion.
