Ayan Mukerji Steps Back from 'Dhoom 4' to Dive Deep into 'Brahmastra Part 2'

Looks like filmmaker Ayan Mukerji is pressing pause on high-octane action to return to his mystical Astraverse, shifting gears from 'Dhoom 4' to focus entirely on 'Brahmastra Part 2: Dev'.

TL;DR: The Latest Buzz!

• Ayan Mukerji has reportedly exited 'Dhoom 4' with Ranbir Kapoor due to creative differences, prioritizing his own 'Astraverse'.
• He's currently in the Himalayas, putting "final touches" on the script for 'Brahmastra Part 2: Dev', which is expected to begin filming in 2026.
• His recent film, 'War 2', was a box office "debacle," influencing his decision to pursue projects with more creative control and emotional depth.

Alright, film buffs, buckle up! There's a major shake-up in the Bollywood director's chair, and it involves one of the industry's most ambitious storytellers. It seems Ayan Mukerji, the visionary behind 'Brahmastra', has reportedly decided to step away from directing the much-anticipated 'Dhoom 4'. Instead, he's full steam ahead on his beloved Astraverse, specifically getting 'Brahmastra Part 2: Dev' ready for the big screen.

This news broke just days after Mukerji shared some intriguing snaps from the mountains, teasing fans with hints of "Pt. 2" and an 'Om' emoji, which everyone quickly (and rightly!) linked to his fantastical universe. So, what exactly prompted this pivot, and what does it mean for both 'Dhoom 4' and the future of the Astraverse?

Creative Differences Led to Ayan Mukerji's Departure from 'Dhoom 4'

It's no secret that filmmakers often have a specific vision, and sometimes, that vision just doesn't align with a pre-existing franchise's mold. Reports suggest that Ayan Mukerji's exit from 'Dhoom 4' boils down to exactly that: creative differences with Yash Raj Films (YRF). Sources close to the production indicate that Ayan sought more creative control over the script and execution than the 'Dhoom' franchise typically allows.

The script for 'Dhoom 4' was reportedly penned by Shridhar Raghavan, and Ayan's role would have primarily been to execute that script. For a director known for his strong emotional storytelling and deep involvement in world-building, this wasn't quite his cup of tea. He apparently didn't want to be "on another journey of just execution."

"He didn’t have much say in the screenplay and didn’t want to be on another journey of just execution."

— A source quoted in a Bollywood Hungama report (via TOI, FPJ, News18)

The good news? The parting of ways with YRF head Aditya Chopra and leading man Ranbir Kapoor was amicable. It seems everyone understood Ayan's point of view, respecting his desire to pursue projects that offer a wider scope for his unique blend of romance, drama, and spectacle.

The 'War 2' Factor: A Box Office Setback and a Shift in Focus

Another significant factor contributing to Ayan's decision appears to be the performance of his most recent directorial, 'War 2'. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR (in his Hindi debut), alongside Kiara Advani, the film was expected to be a massive blockbuster. However, multiple reports describe its box office run as a "colossal debacle," "disastrous," or a "flop."

This "underwhelming performance" reportedly damaged Ayan's reputation as a big-ticket action director. Critics apparently felt he struggled to handle two superstars with great potential, and his limited creative control on the script (also by Shridhar Raghavan) was highlighted. This experience seems to have reinforced his belief that films like 'War 2' and 'Dhoom 4' weren't his ideal fit, pushing him back towards his own cinematic universe where he has full command over the narrative.

While 'War 2' might not have hit it out of the park, it did mark Ayan's entry into the YRF Spy Universe. However, his current choices suggest he's ready to explore beyond that, focusing on stories that resonate more deeply with his personal filmmaking style.

Full Speed Ahead for the Astraverse: 'Brahmastra Part 2: Dev' Takes Center Stage

With 'Dhoom 4' now in his rearview mirror, Ayan Mukerji is dedicating all his creative energy to the highly anticipated 'Brahmastra Part 2: Dev'. His recent mountain getaway wasn't just a vacation; it was a working retreat! His Instagram post, captioned "Pt. 2" with an 'Om' emoji, instantly set the internet ablaze, with fans spotting what looked like a blurred script in his pictures.

Sources confirm that Ayan is currently in the Himalayas, adding some "final touches" and "polishing" the script for the sequel. The film, which was originally slated for an earlier release, is now expected to go on floors in 2026. This timeline allows Ayan to meticulously craft the next chapter of his ambitious Astraverse.

Who's Joining the 'Brahmastra' Universe This Time?

'Brahmastra Part One: Shiva' famously starred Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. For 'Part 2: Dev', rumors are swirling, and they're pretty exciting!

• Ranbir Kapoor: Expected to return, possibly reprising his role as Dev.
• Deepika Padukone: Strong rumors suggest she might step into the pivotal role of Amrita.
• Ranveer Singh: Also rumored to be joining the cast in a leading role, potentially opposite Deepika.

Fans are particularly thrilled about the possibility of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh joining the cast, which would add an incredible new dynamic to the existing magical world. Ayan's posts, showing views of Nanda Devi, have even led to some fan theories about potential plot points connected to the majestic mountains.

What's Next for 'Dhoom 4' and the YRF Spy Universe?

With Ayan Mukerji out, the question on everyone's mind is: who will helm 'Dhoom 4'? The film is definitely still happening under YRF's banner. Ranbir Kapoor was initially expected to lead the project, and some reports even suggest he already has his dates blocked. However, other sources hint that YRF might consider a new actor altogether, or that Ranbir's involvement could shift.

The studio is reportedly looking for a suitable director, with some insiders suggesting that YRF head Aditya Chopra himself might step back into the director's chair. Chopra's last directorial was 'Befikre' in 2016, so a return for 'Dhoom 4' would be a significant move! While YRF is considering "other options," they might lean towards an in-house director to keep the franchise's established tone and style intact. Production for 'Dhoom 4' is also slated for 2026, putting it on a similar timeline to 'Brahmastra 2'.

It's clear that while Ayan Mukerji is charting a new course, both 'Dhoom 4' and 'Brahmastra Part 2' have exciting futures ahead. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for official announcements on all fronts!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ayan Mukerji's Latest Ventures

Q: Why did Ayan Mukerji reportedly leave 'Dhoom 4'?

A: Ayan Mukerji reportedly exited 'Dhoom 4' due to creative differences with Yash Raj Films. He preferred projects where he had more creative control over the script and execution, rather than just being an executor of a pre-written screenplay, as was the case with 'Dhoom 4'.

Q: When is 'Brahmastra Part 2: Dev' expected to release?

A: While there's no official release date yet, 'Brahmastra Part 2: Dev' is expected to go on floors in 2026. Ayan Mukerji is currently finalizing the script.

Q: Who is rumored to be in the cast of 'Brahmastra Part 2: Dev'?

A: Ranbir Kapoor is expected to return. Strong rumors suggest Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh might join the cast in leading roles for the sequel.

Q: What happened with Ayan Mukerji's film 'War 2'?

A: 'War 2', directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, reportedly had a "colossal debacle" or "flop" performance at the box office. It later started streaming on Netflix, receiving mixed reactions.

Sources:

• TOI Entertainment Desk / etimes.in - "Has Ayan Mukerji quit 'Dhoom 4' with Ranbir Kapoor? Director parts ways over 'creative differences'"
• Kumar - "Ayan Mukerji Opts Out of Dhoom 4, War 2 Effect?"
• Shaheen Irani / OTTplay - "Ayan Mukerji teases netizens with hints of Brahmastra 2, YJHD sequel"
• Snehal Dhingra / IndiaForums - "Ayan Mukerji QUITS Dhoom 4, Wants To Do Something 'Lot Wider' - Reports"
• Sunit Jangir / Sacnilk - "Director Ayan Mukerji Sparks Fresh Buzz For Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt's Brahmastra Part 2"
• Johar Deep / BizAsia - "Ayan Mukerji no longer directing ‘Dhoom 4’?"
• Murtuza Iqbal / FPJ - "After War 2 Failure, Ayan Mukerji Won't Be Directing Dhoom 4; Starts Work On Ranbir Kapoor Starrer Brahmastra 2: Report"
• Grace Cyril / News18.com - "Ayan Mukerji Opts Out Of Dhoom 4 After War 2 Failure, Begins Work On Brahmastra 2: Report"