‘Dostana 2’: Advait Chandan Exits Vikrant Massey-Lakshya Starrer Over Creative Differences (EXCLUSIVE)

Director Advait Chandan has exited Dharma Productions' "Dostana 2," Variety India has learned. The filmmaker had been attached to direct the latest iteration of the project and spent approximately seven months developing the film before stepping away. 

The decision stemmed from creative differences as Chandan's vision for the project did not align with the direction the producers wished to pursue. The separation has been amicable, with no indication of any dispute beyond differing creative approaches to the material.

Chandan's departure marks another chapter in the turbulent journey of "Dostana 2" that has undergone multiple reinventions since it was first announced. The sequel to Dharma Productions' 2008 hit "Dostana" was unveiled in 2019 with Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor and Lakshya attached to star, while Collin D'Cunha was set to make his feature directorial debut. The project was later shelved. 

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In recent years, Dharma began work on a reimagined version of the film. The revived project was expected to feature Vikrant Massey and Lakshya in leading roles, with former Miss India World Sini Shetty under consideration for the female lead, according to people familiar with the development.

Advait Chandan subsequently came aboard to direct the new version and spent the better part of the past year working on the project. Industry insiders viewed his involvement as an interesting creative pairing, particularly given his track record of balancing mainstream storytelling with emotional drama in films such as "Secret Superstar." His most recent directorial outing was "Loveyapa," following his work on Aamir Khan-starrer "Laal Singh Chaddha."

While development on "Dostana 2" continued under Chandan, conversations surrounding the film's tone, treatment and overall creative direction eventually led to the filmmaker deciding to move on.

The exit leaves Dharma Productions searching for a new director as it continues to work towards bringing the long-awaited sequel back on track. The project remains one of the studio's most closely watched developments, given both the popularity of the original film and the multiple changes it has undergone over the years.

Advait Chandan did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.