After Kartik's ousting, KJo considering National Award-winning actors for Dostana 2

Karan Johar and the team of Dostana 2 are now on the lookout for actors who can fill in Kartik Aaryan's shoes. After ousting Kartik from the project 'due to professional circumstances', KJo is considering two leading actors in Bollywood for the role.

Hyderabad:Kartik Aaryan's exit from Dostana 2 has not only cost Karan Johar huge but has also affected the timeline of other actors associated with the film. The makers are now reportedly considering two National Award-winning actors to fill in Kartik's shoes.

KJo's banner Dharma Productions on Friday evening posted an Instagram note to officially announce that Kartik will no longer star in the filmmaker's upcoming Dostana 2. "Due to professional circumstances, on which we have decided to maintain a dignified silence -- we will be recasting Dostana 2, directed by Collin D'Cunha. Please wait for the official announcement soon," the announcement read on the Instagram handle of Dharma Productions.

According to the latest reports, the banner is now considering two National Award-winning actors for Dostana 2. The buzz in the industry suggests that the makers are going back with their first choice, Rajkummar Rao for the movie which is a sequel to the 2008 film starring Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek Bachchan, and John Abraham.

The whispers about Vicky Kaushal being considered for the role are also being heard. The actor was already shooting for KJo's another production venture Mr. Lele before he tested positive for COVID-19. Though Vicky has recovered from novel coronavirus he already has two films ready to go on floors hence chances of him coming onboard for Dostana 2 look very bleak.

READ |KJo replaces Kartik: Fans threaten Dostana 2 boycott, Kangana says 'don't go after him like Sushant'

According to unauthenticated sources, the makers have lost around Rs 20 crore with Kartik's exit, since 20 days of shoot were already completed and these will have to be re-shot with a new actor. According to sources, after 20 days of shoot, Kartik had issues with the script and was also not allotting dates to the project.

Dostana 2 which also features Janhvi Kapoor and debutant Lakshay Lalvani went on floors in November 2019. The shoot, unfortunately, came to a standstill in March 2020 with the outbreak of COVID-19.