Diljit Dosanjh's exit from 'No Entry 2' puts movie production on shaky ground. What went wrong?

Time of India

15-05-2025

Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has reportedly exited the much-anticipated sequel No Entry 2 due to unresolved creative differences. The sequel to the 2005 hit No Entry was generating significant buzz, particularly after the announcement of a cast that included Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, and Dosanjh. However, the project now faces uncertainty following the singer-actor's unexpected departure.
According to a source quoted by multiple publications, Dosanjh was initially enthusiastic about working with Dhawan and Kapoor. 'Diljit was very excited to collaborate with Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor. But over the last few weeks, he couldn't align with the film's creative ideas. That's why he's decided to leave the project because of creative differences,' the source revealed.
While the film's team has not released an official statement, director Anees Bazmee commented briefly, choosing not to confirm or deny the news. 'I will not be able to speak about the matter right now. It is better if you reach out to Boney for the same,' he stated. Producer Boney Kapoor has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the matter.
Casting Shake-Up as Search Begins for Replacement
The sequel was scheduled for a late 2025 release, but Dosanjh's departure may disrupt the production timeline. With Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor still attached to the project, attention now turns to who will step into the role initially intended for Dosanjh. The casting for this third lead is expected to be critical, especially given the high expectations following the original film's success.
Reports also suggest that
Tamannaah Bhatia
may be joining the cast. Though her involvement hasn't been officially confirmed, her character is said to be modeled after Bipasha Basu's role in the original movie. The possibility of her appearance has added to the speculation surrounding the sequel's development.
A Legacy to Uphold Amid Production Challenges
The original No Entry, directed by Bazmee and released in 2005, featured Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan. The plot centered around two married men, portrayed by Anil and Fardeen, who become entangled in a web of lies and misunderstandings after their friend Prem, played by Salman, tries to introduce them to a call girl. The comedy of errors became a box office success and has since achieved cult status. The female cast included Lara Dutta, Esha Deol, and Celina Jaitly, with Bipasha Basu appearing in a pivotal cameo.
With expectations high for No Entry 2, Diljit's exit marks a significant development that could alter the course of the production. The filmmakers will now need to recalibrate their plans to ensure the sequel lives up to the legacy of its predecessor. While fans were eager to see Dosanjh's comedic presence in the franchise, the creative mismatch has now opened the door for another actor to take on the role.
As the production team navigates this unexpected turn, no official announcements have been made regarding the finalized cast or any changes to the release schedule. Given the delays and challenges already faced by the sequel, Diljit's departure is another hurdle for the team to overcome.