The highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 romantic-comedy hit is hitting a temporary roadblock. Production for ‘Luka Chuppi 2’, starring the fresh pairing of Varun Dhawan and Sharvari, has been officially postponed by six months. While fans expected pre-production to kick off in early 2026, the makers have pushed the schedule back to accommodate the demanding timeline of director Laxman Utekar.
Laxman Utekar, the creative force behind the original Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon-led blockbuster, finds himself currently “neck-deep” in his ambitious biopic, ‘Eetha’. Sources close to the production confirm that the director is prioritizing the completion of the Shraddha Kapoor-starrer before shifting gears to the world of live-in relationship comedies once again.
The primary reason for the delay is Utekar’s total immersion in ‘Eetha’, a high-stakes biopic based on the life of legendary Tamasha artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar. This project features Shraddha Kapoor in the titular role and is reportedly one of the most physically and emotionally demanding films of Utekar’s career.
Vithabai was a powerhouse of the traditional Marathi folk art, and the film aims to capture her grit—including the famous historical anecdote of her performing on stage just days after giving birth.
Because Eetha requires intricate musical sequences and a deep dive into folk culture, the filming and post-production are taking longer than initially estimated. Utekar plans to wrap up this biopic by mid-2026 before he trains his focus on the rom-com’s sequel.
The decision to wait for Laxman Utekar stems from the massive success of the first installment. Released in 2019, Luka Chuppi was a cultural phenomenon that raked in over ₹128 crore at the global box office. It successfully tackled the then-taboo subject of live-in relationships in small-town India with humour and heart.
By bringing Utekar back for the sequel, the producers aim to replicate that specific brand of “situational comedy” that resonates with family audiences. Rather than handing the reins to a different director to meet a deadline, the team has chosen quality over speed, ensuring that the sequel lives up to the high standards set by its predecessor.
Despite the delay, the excitement surrounding the cast remains at an all-time high. Varun Dhawan, coming off a string of experimental and massy roles, is set to bring his high-energy charm to the franchise. Joining him is Sharvari, who has rapidly become one of Bollywood’s most sought-after actresses following the monstrous success of Munjya.
The chemistry between Varun and Sharvari is expected to be the “X-factor” for this sequel. While the first film focused on a couple pretending to be married to stay in a live-in relationship, the plot for Luka Chuppi 2 remains a closely guarded secret. However, insiders suggest it will explore a fresh conflict within the modern Indian dating landscape, staying true to the franchise’s roots of social commentary masked in laughter.
With the six-month postponement, the new timeline for the film looks like this:
- Early 2026: Laxman Utekar continues filming and post-production for Eetha.
- Mid-2026: Wrap-up of the Shraddha Kapoor-led biopic.
- Late 2026: Pre-production and recce for Luka Chuppi 2 officially begins.
- Late 2026 / Early 2027: Principal photography is expected to go on floors.
Both Varun and Sharvari have reportedly adjusted their calendars to accommodate this shift. Varun is expected to utilize this gap to complete his other commitments, including his work in the spy-universe and other standalone projects, while Sharvari continues her rise with her upcoming slate of action and drama films.
