In an era where Bollywood casting rumours spread faster than wildfire, actor Siddhant Chaturvedi has taken a decisive stand to protect his professional narrative. The Gully Boy breakout star recently shattered social media speculation suggesting he would lead the Hindi remake of the 2019 Telugu cult classic Dear Comrade alongside the rising star Pratibha Ranta.
Taking to his Instagram stories on January 2, 2026, Siddhant issued a direct clarification to his fans and the media, putting an end to weeks of unsubstantiated reports. His message was clear: while he respects the source material, his days of stepping into remakes are officially over.
The rumour mill began churning late last month, with several trade insiders claiming that a major production house had secured the rights for a Dear Comrade remake. The original film, which featured the powerhouse pairing of Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, remains a beloved title across India for its raw emotional depth and soulful music.
Siddhant, however, wasted no time in addressing the “fake news.” In a candid post, he wrote:
“Just to clarify guys, This isn’t true. No remakes for me anymore, even though I am a fan of the original film and the actors. Anyhow, I’d love to collaborate with the supremely talented Pratibha Ranta on something original.”
Siddhant not only dismissed the specific project but also turned the conversation toward a more positive, forward-thinking note regarding future collaborations with Pratibha Ranta.
Siddhant Chaturvedi’s stance reflects a broader shift in the Indian film industry as we move through 2026. Audiences are increasingly demanding original content, and actors are becoming wary of the inevitable comparisons that come with remaking a masterpiece.
Having already navigated the highs and lows of the industry since his debut, Siddhant Chaturvedi appears to be curating a filmography that prioritizes fresh storytelling over established templates. His “no more remakes” policy signals a maturing artist who wants to create his own legacy rather than walking in the footsteps of his contemporaries from the South.
While the Dear Comrade news proved false, the industry is buzzing about the mutual admiration between Siddhant and Pratibha Ranta. Pratibha, who earned massive acclaim for her work in Laapataa Ladies is currently one of the most sought-after talents in Mumbai.
Siddhant’s public wish to work with her on “something original” has already sent writers and directors into a frenzy. A collaboration between Siddhant’s intense, grounded acting style and Pratibha’s ethereal screen presence could potentially yield one of the most exciting new on-screen pairings of 2026.
The original Dear Comrade, directed by Bharat Kamma, was a significant milestone for Vijay Deverakonda. It explored themes of student politics, sexual harassment, and the “comrade” spirit of standing by one’s partner. Any actor stepping into the shoes of ‘Bobby’ (Vijay’s character) faces a daunting task, as the character’s vulnerability and rage were perfectly balanced in the 2019 version.
Siddhant’s admission that he is a “fan of the original film and the actors” shows a level of professional humility. He acknowledges the weight of the original performances, implying that some stories are best left untouched and celebrated in their primary form.
With the Dear Comrade rumours put to bed, fans are looking at Siddhant’s actual 2026 slate with renewed interest. The actor is reportedly working on an unannounced action-thriller and is in the final stages of a modern-age romance that fits his “original stories only” criteria.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, Siddhant’s proactive approach to debunking rumours through social media is becoming the new standard. By speaking directly to his 5 million+ followers, he bypasses traditional PR hurdles and maintains an authentic connection with his audience.
In conclusion, while we won’t be seeing Siddhant Chaturvedi and Pratibha Ranta in the halls of a university fighting for justice in Dear Comrade, the door is wide open for a brand-new cinematic journey. As Siddhant says, “Something original” is always worth the wait.
