Bollywood is buzzing today as actor Vikrant Massey, fresh off his momentous National Award win, has officially confirmed he will star in the highly anticipated sequel, Dostana 2. The film, a prestigious project backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, will see Massey join co-star Lakshya, finally kickstarting the long-stalled production.
Massey, whose recent victory for the grounded, critically acclaimed film 12th Fail cemented his position as a powerhouse performer, now makes a significant leap into the world of mainstream Bollywood glamour with his first-ever Dharma film.
In a recent interview, Massey himself broke the news, ending years of speculation surrounding the sequel. “You will see me doing that soon. I’m doing Dostana 2. I’m doing my first Dharma movie,” the actor stated, expressing his excitement about taking on a role that showcases a stark departure from his signature roles.
He also playfully hinted at the famous Dharma aesthetic, which promises to transform his image. “You will see me wearing good designer clothes. Karan (Johar) sir will make sure that I wear good clothes, and I wear those fancy sunglasses. Shooting somewhere in Europe,” he added, indicating a grand, international scale for the movie.
The casting confirmation solidifies Lakshya’s involvement, who was part of the original 2019 announcement and remained attached to the project through the tumultuous delay. Lakshya is confirmed to star alongside Massey, forming the new male lead duo.
However, the question of the female lead remains a closely guarded secret. While the original announcement featured Janhvi Kapoor, her current involvement remains unconfirmed. Massey chose to keep the audience guessing, stating, “Lakshya is a part of the movie. But let the girl be a surprise,” suggesting Dharma Productions has a major reveal planned.
The sequel to the 2008 hit Dostana originally generated immense excitement in 2019 when Dharma Productions announced a cast led by Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya. The film even completed a significant portion of its shoot.
However, the project suddenly stalled in 2021 when reports of a fallout between Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar surfaced. Dharma Productions officially announced they would recast the film, though they maintained a “dignified silence” on the reasons for Aaryan’s exit. The film then entered an indefinite hiatus, leaving fans wondering if the sequel would ever see the light of day.
With Vikrant Massey’s formal announcement, Dharma Productions successfully turns the page on the previous casting controversy. Industry analysts suggest that Massey’s current phenomenal goodwill and immense critical acclaim make him a strong choice to inject fresh energy and credibility into the franchise.
The new pairing of Massey, known for his acting depth, and Lakshya, the debutant who recently garnered attention, creates a fascinating combination, promising a unique dynamic that fans of the franchise can eagerly look forward to. Sources suggest the film is expected to begin shooting in late 2025 or early 2026, marking an official end to one of Bollywood’s most talked-about production delays. The long wait for Dostana 2 is officially over, and the new era of the film is ready to begin.
