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Over two months after Kartik Aaryan was seen at Karan Johar’s Mumbai residence, sparking speculation about a potential collaboration, the director-producer has officially confirmed their latest partnership. This comes after the controversies surrounding Kartik’s exit from Dharma Productions’ Dostana 2.
Karan took to Instagram to announce the upcoming project, sharing a photo that reveals the key figures associated with it. Kartik, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Wednesday, will be playing the lead role in the untitled film. Helmed by The Night Manager creator Sandeep Modi, the untitled project is bankrolled jointly by Dharma Productions and Ektaa Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures.
“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,” Karan noted on social media.
“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🧡🧡🧡 @ektarkapoor, being your friend is easily the best thing and now working with you will be no different!!!”
“An unforgettable chapter of our glorious Indian history full of valour and sacrifice is now going to be part of my life. A subject close to my heart… Super proud and excited to embark on a new journey with the extremely talented @sandeipm and the powerhouse @karanjohar and @ektarkapoor 💥,” Kartika wrote on Instagram.
Wishing the actor on his birthday, co-producer Ektaa noted on social media: “Finally getting to partner with d best. @karanjohar Lights, camera and…surprise!🎬 We are thrilled to announce a new story brewing that has found a home with Dharma Productions & 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!”
Kartik Aaryan walked out of Dharma Productions’ much-anticipated Collin D’Cunha directorial Dostana 2, due to “creative differences” in 2021.
Days after he quit the project, after shooting for almost two weeks, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions released a statement informing fans that they would be recasting Dostana 2. “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,” read the statement by Dharma Productions.
The film, a spiritual sequel to Tarun Mansukhani’s 2008 movie Dostana, was initially announced with Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Laksh Lalwani in the lead roles.
Referring to controversy, Kartik, during the promotions of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, told The Indian Express: “What happens, at times, is people make ‘baat ka batangad’ (make a mountain out of a molehill). There is nothing more to it. No one has so much time (to think so much). Everybody just wants to work, do good work. Other than that, things are just rumours.”
Commenting on the matter, Karan, in a chat with fans on Pinkvilla, said that Dostana 2 fell apart for “various reasons”. “Kartik and I, we nearly made a film and then for various reasons it couldn’t happen but you never say never. I’m sure the future holds something very strong for both Kartik and I,” he said.
When asked if there was a possibility for them to revive Dostana 2, Karan shared, “We don’t know about Dostana but may be we will make some film and that film will hopefully be defining for both of us.”
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