Karan Johar’s Dostana 2, the much-awaited sequel to the 2008 hit Dostana, is slated to hit Netflix in late 2026, with filming kicking off in January 2026 across India and international locations. Directed by debutante Shauna Gautam, this romantic comedy, produced by Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, promises a fresh take on queer love, blending humor, romance, and drama. After years of delays, the project is back with a new cast, sparking excitement among fans.
In This Article:
A Starry New Cast
The sequel stars Vikrant Massey and Lakshya Lalwani, replacing the original leads, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. Vikrant, fresh off 12th Fail, steps into the spotlight after Kartik Aaryan’s 2021 exit due to creative differences with Johar. Lakshya, from Kill, remains from the earlier lineup, while Janhvi Kapoor’s role has been recast with a debutante actress, possibly Sreeleela, though unconfirmed. X posts are buzzing, with fans calling it a “game-changer” for its bold narrative.
Reviving a Cult Classic
The 2008 Dostana charmed audiences with its playful take on friendship and faux romance, grossing ₹87 crore globally. Dostana 2 aims to up the ante with a progressive script centered on queer love, described as “outright hilarious” by sources. Johar, who resolved his fallout with Kartik via their Naagzilla collaboration, is betting big on this Netflix reboot to carry the franchise’s legacy forward. The film’s music, comedy, and emotional depth are set to recreate the original’s magic, with shoots planned in vibrant global locales.
Anticipation and Challenges
After a shelved 2019 attempt with Kartik, Janhvi, and Lakshya, Dostana 2 faced uncertainty until Johar’s recent revival push. Fans on X are thrilled, with posts like, “Vikrant and Lakshya in Dostana 2? This is gonna be iconic!” However, some express caution, citing Johar’s mixed 2024 slate (Jigra broke even, Bad Newz profited). With Shauna Gautam at the helm, the film aims to balance sensitivity and humor, making it a must-watch for 2026.
-By Manoj H