Image instagrammed by Kartik Aaryan. (Courtesy: KatrinaKaif)

In Bollywood, there aren’t any everlasting mates or foes. This adage has confirmed itself over time innumerable occasions. Adding to the listing of ever-transforming relationships in B-town is the newest announcement from director Karan Johar and actor Kartik Aaryan. The two might be collaborating on an upcoming movie, in line with a publish shared by them on social media. While that is little doubt a constructive growth, followers didn’t neglect that KJo and Kartik had a fallout years in the past in the course of the filming of Dostana 2. For context, Kartik was forged in Dostana 2 with Janhvi Kapoor and Lakshya Lalwani. However, in 2021, Kartik was replaced from the movie and a statement was issued by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions that stated, “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.”

Cut to 2023, and Karan Johar has shared news of his collaboration with Kartik Aaryan on the occasion of the actor’s birthday. Sharing the news, Karan Johar wrote, “Kickstarting at present with some particular information on a special occasion! Extremely thrilled to announce Dharma Movies and Balaji Motion Pictures coming collectively for a movie helmed by the exceptionally gifted Sandeep Modi. I discover myself elated to additionally announce the supremely gifted Kartik Aaryan as our lead for this story that can unfold in cinemas on fifteenth August, 2025. Kartik, pleased birthday to you…May our collaboration solely develop from power to power from hereon and by no means stop to create magic on the large display.” 

Tagging Ektaa Kapoor, who will co-produce the film, KJo said, “Being your good friend is well the very best factor and now working with you’ll be no totally different.”

In response to the post, fans have dropped not-so-subtle references to the old feud between Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan. Another section of users has dropped comments stating that the announcement resembles a wedding card.

“Ho gya wapas dosti? Good going Karan,” one user wrote. “I thought Kartik Aaryan is out of Dharma productions. An official statement was issued last year,” said another user, referring to the fallout.

“Kartik handled everything so beautifully at the time of crisis. From being called unprofessional to gifting him a film on his birthday,” a fan pointed out.

“He proved it big time!! Kartik is here to rule…Removing him from Dostana at his crucial time didn’t break him too,” a Kartik Aaryan fan gushed.

“It is looking like a wedding card,” said one user, referring to the Instagram post, while another said, “Pehle socha shaadi ka card hai.”

Kartik Aaryan too responded to the post with a simple heart emoji.

Kartik Aaryan also shared the development with his Instagram followers and wrote, “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  Sandeep Modi and the powerhouse Karan Johar and Ektaa Kapoor.”

The wedding card comments continued even under this post. One fan said, “For a glance I thought Kartik ke shaadi ka card hai..then I realised it’s movie poster.” “I thought this is marriage invitation card,” said another. 

Check out the post here:

The Kartik Aaryan film, directed by Sandeep Modi, backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Ektaa Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms Ltd,  is slated to release on August 15, 2025.

Kartik Aaryan will be seen next in Chandu Champion director by Kabir Khan.