No Entry 2: Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh Reportedly Exit Sequel

The highly anticipated comedy sequel, No Entry 2, is facing some major shake-ups, with reports indicating both Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh have stepped away from the project. This means a complete cast reshuffle is likely, but don't worry, Arjun Kapoor is still in!

TL;DR

• Varun Dhawan has reportedly exited No Entry 2 due to scheduling conflicts with his upcoming film Bhediya 2.
• Diljit Dosanjh also previously backed out, with producer Boney Kapoor citing date issues.
• Arjun Kapoor remains committed to the film, but filmmakers are now scrambling to find two new male leads.

The Rollercoaster Ride of No Entry 2's Star-Studded Casting Updates

Talk about a dramatic turn of events! Just when we thought the star cast for Anees Bazmee's much-anticipated comedy sequel, No Entry 2, was all set, news has dropped that has sent Bollywood circles into a tizzy. It seems the film, which was gearing up to deliver triple the laughs with its proposed triple roles for the male leads, is now facing a significant casting overhaul. The latest buzz indicates that none other than Varun Dhawan has reportedly decided to step away from the project, following the earlier departure of Diljit Dosanjh.

If you've been following the journey of No Entry 2, you'd know that from the get-go, it’s been a hot topic. Fans were eagerly awaiting the fresh combination of Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Arjun Kapoor, who were slated to fill the big shoes left by the original film's iconic trio of Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan. Producer Boney Kapoor had made it clear that the sequel would be a "new chapter" with a younger, fresh cast, including a whopping ten female leads. This vision promised a vibrant, modern take on the beloved 2005 comedy that still holds a special place in many hearts.

However, the path to bringing this sequel to life seems anything but straightforward. The recent developments have put the filmmakers, led by director Anees Bazmee and producer Boney Kapoor, back to the drawing board, searching for a new combination of actors to bring their comedic vision to the big screen.

Why Diljit Dosanjh Couldn't Make His Way Into This Comedy Sequel

The first major speed bump for No Entry 2 came with the news of Diljit Dosanjh's exit. Initial whispers in the industry suggested "creative differences" as the reason for the popular singer-actor's departure. However, producer Boney Kapoor soon clarified the situation, indicating that the reason was far more practical: scheduling conflicts.

"Yes, we have parted in good spirits as the dates were not aligning with our requirements. Hopefully, we will soon do a Punjabi film together."

— Boney Kapoor on Diljit Dosanjh's exit

It's a common challenge in the bustling world of Bollywood, where in-demand actors often juggle multiple big-budget projects. Diljit, known for his charismatic performances and growing fan base, has a packed schedule, and it appears the intricate demands of No Entry 2 just couldn't fit. While his exit was disappointing for many, the amicable split leaves the door open for future collaborations between him and Boney Kapoor, perhaps on a Punjabi film, as the producer hinted. This would be a treat for fans who appreciate Diljit's unique blend of humor and acting prowess.

Unpacking Varun Dhawan's Reported Departure and Its Implications

Just as the dust was settling from Diljit’s exit, an even more surprising piece of news broke: Varun Dhawan, who was reportedly "very excited about No Entry 2," has also seemingly bowed out. Multiple reports from trusted media outlets confirm this development, once again pointing to the ever-present challenge of conflicting schedules.

According to sources close to the production, Varun's dates are now firmly locked for his upcoming film, Bhediya 2. This means he won't be available until mid-2026, creating an insurmountable hurdle for the No Entry 2 team. The departure of a major star like Varun, especially after Diljit, signifies a significant setback and necessitates a full re-evaluation of the cast.

It's interesting to note the ripple effect here. Diljit's initial exit likely led to changes in the shooting schedule for No Entry 2. These revised dates, in turn, appear to have clashed directly with Varun's prior commitments to Bhediya 2, making things "a bit complicated" for him to stay on board. While there's no official statement from Varun Dhawan himself yet, the consistent reports across various news platforms suggest this unfortunate reality.

The impact of losing two of its three main male leads is, of course, massive. The film's entire dynamic would have to be reimagined, affecting everything from character interactions to promotional strategies. For fans who were looking forward to Varun's comedic timing in the sequel, this news is certainly a bummer.

The Unwavering Commitment of Arjun Kapoor and the Production's Next Steps

Amidst all these casting storms, one actor remains steadfastly attached to No Entry 2: Arjun Kapoor. Sources consistently confirm that Arjun is "still very much on board" and committed to the project. This is a crucial anchor for the filmmakers as they navigate this challenging phase of recasting.

With both Diljit Dosanjh and Varun Dhawan reportedly out, the team behind No Entry 2, including director Anees Bazmee and producer Boney Kapoor, are now faced with the daunting task of finding two new male leads. The initial vision of a fresh, younger cast in triple roles remains, but the specific "combinations" will now have to be re-figured. This means an intense period of auditions, negotiations, and creative discussions to build a new, equally compelling ensemble.

Adding to the complexity is the earlier report that "principal photography wrapped last month," with an anticipated release date of October 26, 2025. This information now appears to be premature or based on an outdated plan. Given the confirmed exits and the need for a major cast reshuffle, it's highly improbable that the film has wrapped or will meet its previously rumored Diwali 2025 release date. The ongoing search for new actors will undoubtedly lead to significant delays in the production timeline. The focus now is less on a swift release and more on successfully rebuilding the core cast to ensure the film's quality and appeal.

Boney Kapoor's ambitious plan to cast ten female leads for the sequel also highlights the scale and potential of this project. Finding two new male leads who can not only deliver comedic performances in triple roles but also mesh well with Arjun Kapoor and the extensive female ensemble will be a testament to the casting team's efforts.

The Persistent Bollywood Predicament: Why Date Clashes Keep Happening

The saga of No Entry 2 serves as a prime example of a common hurdle in the Indian film industry: date clashes. For A-list actors like Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, who are at the peak of their careers, managing schedules for multiple demanding projects is a constant juggling act. A slight shift in one film's production timeline can create a domino effect, forcing difficult decisions regarding other commitments.

Varun Dhawan's prior commitment to Bhediya 2, a sequel to his well-received supernatural comedy, demonstrates the complexity. Actors often plan their years in advance, locking in dates for films that require extensive shooting, specific seasons, or international locations. When a project like No Entry 2, which itself experienced delays and cast changes, needs to reschedule, it can inevitably conflict with these pre-existing obligations.

Similarly, Diljit Dosanjh's flourishing career, spanning not just Bollywood but also Punjabi cinema and a massive international music presence, makes his calendar incredibly tight. Filmmakers often have to be incredibly flexible or risk losing their preferred talent. While these situations are frustrating for both the production houses and the fans, they are an unavoidable reality of working with sought-after stars in a dynamic industry.

This challenge also underscores the importance of a strong, well-defined script and efficient pre-production. The more organized and locked-in a production is from the outset, the less likely it is to suffer from the ripple effects of unforeseen scheduling conflicts down the line.

Beyond No Entry 2: What's Next for Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh?

While their reported exits from No Entry 2 are disappointing for fans of the franchise, both Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh have plenty of exciting projects keeping them busy. Their schedules are, in fact, the very reason for their departure from the Anees Bazmee directorial, highlighting their strong demand in the industry.

Varun Dhawan's Exciting Slate:

• Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: Varun was recently seen in this film, which is reportedly still doing well at the box office. His comedic and romantic roles are often fan favorites.
• Bhediya 2: This is the film that reportedly locked his dates until mid-2026, making his commitment to No Entry 2 impossible. Fans are eager to see him reprise his role in this supernatural comedy sequel, directed by Amar Kaushik.
• Border 2: In a significant shift from comedy, Varun will be seen in JP Dutta's war drama, Border 2. He'll be sharing the screen with an ensemble cast that includes Sunny Deol, Ahaan Shetty, and interestingly, Diljit Dosanjh, meaning fans will still get to see these two dynamic actors together after all!
• Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai: He's also slated for a romantic comedy directed by his father, David Dhawan, alongside Pooja Hegde. This project promises to bring back the classic Dhawan brand of entertainment.

Diljit Dosanjh's Diverse Engagements:

• Sardaar Ji 3: Diljit's last movie, Sardaar Ji 3, faced controversy and was not released in India due to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir.
• Border 2: Like Varun, Diljit is also a part of JP Dutta's star-studded Border 2. This collaboration promises a fresh dynamic for him in the war drama genre.
• Music Career: Beyond films, Diljit continues to be a global music sensation, with a string of successful songs and international tours that keep his calendar perpetually busy.

So, while their absence from No Entry 2 is felt, fans can look forward to seeing both Varun and Diljit in a variety of other compelling projects very soon!

The Road Ahead for No Entry 2: Recasting Challenges and Future Outlook

The reported exits of Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh have undeniably thrown a wrench into the production plans for No Entry 2. What was initially conceived with a specific trio in mind now requires a significant creative pivot. Producer Boney Kapoor and director Anees Bazmee, known for their expertise in commercial cinema, are now facing the challenging task of completely overhauling their male lead cast, with the exception of Arjun Kapoor.

The quest for "new combinations" is now paramount. The filmmakers will need to scout for two prominent actors who can not only deliver on the comedic requirements of the sequel, especially in potentially triple roles, but also generate the kind of excitement and anticipation that Varun and Diljit brought to the table. This isn't just about finding talented actors; it's about finding the right chemistry, the right star power, and actors whose schedules align with the revised production timeline.

Furthermore, the delay caused by this recasting means the rumored October 26, 2025, release date is now almost certainly out of the question. A film of this scale requires extensive pre-production, shooting, and post-production, and with key cast members now needing to be replaced, the entire schedule will need to be pushed back significantly. Fans will likely have to wait much longer than anticipated to see the sequel materialize.

Despite these hurdles, the legacy of the original No Entry and Anees Bazmee's reputation for crafting successful comedies keep hope alive. The promise of a script "even better than the original" and the inclusion of ten female leads suggest an ambitious and potentially very entertaining film, once the right ensemble is locked in. The challenge is immense, but if handled strategically, No Entry 2 could still emerge as a blockbuster, albeit on a delayed timeline and with a fresh, unexpected cast lineup. It’s a waiting game now to see which stars will eventually join Arjun Kapoor on this much-anticipated comedic journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About No Entry 2's Casting Drama

Is No Entry 2 still being made, despite the casting changes?

Yes, No Entry 2 is still very much in the works! While it's facing significant casting hurdles with the reported exits of Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, producer Boney Kapoor and director Anees Bazmee are committed to the project. They are currently "figuring out new combinations" for the lead roles, with Arjun Kapoor still on board. This means fans will have to wait longer, but the film's production is expected to move forward once new actors are finalized.

Who is currently confirmed to be in the cast of No Entry 2?

As of the latest reports, Arjun Kapoor is the only male lead officially confirmed to still be a part of No Entry 2. Diljit Dosanjh and Varun Dhawan have reportedly exited the project due to date clashes and creative differences (in Diljit's case, according to some reports, though Boney Kapoor cited dates). The filmmakers are actively searching for two new male actors to join Arjun Kapoor and the ten female leads slated for the film.

What was the original cast of the first No Entry film doing?

The 2005 hit No Entry featured Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan in the lead male roles. Producer Boney Kapoor explicitly stated that this original trio will not be returning for the sequel, explaining that he aims to create a "new chapter" with a younger cast. While the original film was immensely popular, the sequel is intended to be a fresh take for a new generation of viewers, although it will continue the story.

When was No Entry 2 initially expected to release, and is that still the plan?

Earlier reports indicated that No Entry 2 was aiming for a Diwali 2025 release, specifically October 26, 2025. However, given the recent major casting changes and the need to find new lead actors, this release date is now highly unlikely. The extensive recasting process and subsequent production schedule will undoubtedly push back the film's debut. An updated release window will only be clear once the new cast members are locked in and filming can properly commence.

Sources

• TOI Entertainment Desk / etimes.in (Updated: Oct 12, 2025, 12:58 IST)
• Digital Desk (On 06 Oct 2025) - (Note: This article contained conflicting information about shooting wrapping up with the original cast, which has been superseded by later reports of exits.)
• Nirali Kanabar (Updated Oct 12, 2025, 09:23 IST)
• Mohar Basu | mid-day.com (Updated on: 12 October,2025 07:15 AM IST)
• Chandra Mouli | telanganatoday.com (Published: 12th October 2025 5:29 pm IST)
• Zee Media Bureau | zeenews.india.com (Last Updated: Oct 12, 2025, 02:04 PM IST)
• Varsha Agarwal | dnaindia.com (Updated : Oct 12, 2025, 06:52 PM IST)
• Khushi Srivastava | republicworld.com (Updated 12 October 2025 at 18:54 IST)
• Shefali Fernandes | freepressjournal.in (Updated: Sunday, October 12, 2025, 12:14 PM IST)
• Meghana Tatiparthy | newsable.asianetnews.com (Published : Oct 12 2025, 05:01 PM IST)