Helmed by Sandeep Modi, the Kartik Aaryan project is produced jointly by Dharma Productions and Ektaa Kapoor's Balaji Motion Pictures.
A couple of months ago, Kartik Aaryan was seen at Karan Johar’s Mumbai residence, and since then, there were rumours that the two have moved on from the controversies surrounding Kartik’s exit from Dharma Productions’ ‘Dostana 2’. Now making a move together professionally, the director-producer has confirmed that he is making a film with Kartik Aaryan.
Karan took to Instagram to announce the yet-untitled project on the occasion of Kartik’s 33rd birthday on Wednesday. The project, which will be helmed by ‘The Night Manager’ creator Sandeep Modi, is bankrolled jointly by Dharma Productions and Ektaa Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures.
“Kickstarting today with some special news on a special day!! Extremely thrilled to announce @dharmamovies and @balajimotionpictures coming together for a film helmed by the exceptionally talented @sandeipm. I find myself elated to also announce the supremely talented @kartikaaryan as our lead for this story that will unfold in cinemas on 15th August, 2025,” Karan posted on social media.
“Kartik, happy birthday to you…may our collaboration only grow from strength to strength from hereon and never cease to create magic on the big screen🧡🧡🧡 @ektarkapoor, being your friend is easily the best thing and now working with you will be no different,” Karan added.
“An unforgettable chapter of our glorious Indian history full of valour and sacrifice is now going to be part of my life. A subject close to my heart… Super proud and excited to embark on a new journey with the extremely talented @sandeipm and the powerhouse @karanjohar and @ektarkapoor,” Kartik wrote on Instagram.
Wishing the actor on his birthday, Ektaa too shared a note on social media: “Finally getting to partner with d best. @karanjohar Lights, camera and…surprise! We are thrilled to announce a new story brewing that has found a home with Dharma Productions & Balaji Telefilms. Starring Kartik Aaryan and directed by Sandeep Modi, this yet to be titled film will be released on 15th August, 2025. Stay tuned!”
For those caught unaware, Kartik Aaryan walked out of Dharma Productions’ and Collin D’Cunha directorial ‘Dostana 2’, due to “creative differences” in 2021. Soon, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions released a statement, which read as, “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 film was announced with Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Laksh Lalwani in the lead roles. It was a spiritual sequel to Tarun Mansukhani’s 2008 movie ‘Dostana’.
Ever since then, there were reports that Karan and Kartik have had a major fallout, but clearly, that’s all done and dusted now.