Akshay Kumar to star in Dostana 2 after Kartik Aaryan's exit?

After ousting Kartik Aayan from Dostana 2, Karan Johar was reportedly considering Vicky Kaushal and Rajkummar Rao for the lead role. The latest buzz around the film, however, suggests that Akshay Kumar might join the cast of the film directed by Collin D'Cunha.

Hyderabad:Kartik Aaryan's exit from Dostana 2 has taken tinselville by storm. The fallout with film's producer Karan Johar has not only cost Kartik Dostana 2 but other future projects as well for which he was in talks with former's banner Dharma Productions. The makers too have to take the brunt of Kartik's exit as they will have to reshoot the 20-day schedule which the now-ousted actor already shot with Janhvi Kapoor.

To bring the derailed project on track, KJo has requested his good friend Akshay Kumar to come onboard. According to reports, Karan personally requested Akshay to join the cast of Dostana 2 and pull the film out from unfavorable circumstances. If Akshay agrees to hop on, the makers will focus on altering the script to suit the superstar.

Earlier, reports of National Award-winning actors Vicky Kaushal and Rajkummar Rao being considered to fill in Kartik's shoes also did the rounds. After the Kartik fiasco, now it seems that the makers trying to get a bankable name attached to the project.

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

Dharma Productions on April 16 evening posted an Instagram note to officially announce that Kartik will no longer star in the 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.

As per unconfirmed reports, differences reportedly emerged between the makers and the actor, and Dharma Productions have decided not to collaborate with the actor in future. 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.