Dissecting the delay

Here is the complete story behind Dostana 2 being postponed

While people know that Dostana 2 has got postponed to next year because of creative differences between producer Karan Johar and director Tarun Mansukhani, B-Town sources say that's not all.

Says a source, "A few weeks ago Karan and Tarun had a rift. Apparently, Tarun taking potshots on Dharma Productions' last releases, Kurbaan, My Name Is Khan and I Hate Luv Storys hasn't gone down well with KJo.

The Dostana director feels the producer should be doing better quality stuff. When Kurbaan didn't do well Tarun felt vindicated but it was Karan's turn to smile when MNIK and IHLS both did well at the BO." Trouble began with Mansukhani voicing his opinion to people outside of Dharma. When this got back to the Dharma boss, he confronted Tarun, which led to an argument.

Possible fates
Things have apparently become so serious that unless the two sort out their differences (and it looks very difficult), Dostana 2 will either be shelved or will get a new director. The official reason being given for the delay of the John Abraham--Abhishek Bachchan starrer is that Karan (and a focus group) didn't like the second half of D2.

An insider rubbishes the rumours of tension between the two friends, "Tarun wasn't happy with the script and wanted to work on it further. Karan realised that everyone's dates had been wasted and apologised to all his stars, especially Katrina Kaif, who had blocked her dates and was banking on this film to be her big release next year."

Karan says, "We are very, very, very happy with the script of Dostana 2. Tarun is a perfectionist and he took the call to delay it. And as a producer I have to support him. The film will begin by early 2011 and will release in the latter half of 2011. John, Katrina and Abhishek will act in it. We want to give our best and all our time and attention to Dostana 2, as it will be Dharma's biggest production till date.

A sequel has more expectations and we want to live up to the expectations. We are all excited about the film and the rest are all ridiculous rumours. Tarun is my adopted baby and I am very proud that he's so hardworking and wanted the perfect script."

Tarun Mansukhani remained unavailable for comment.