Bollywood’s No Entry 2 Faces Major Casting Shake-Up

The sequel fans have eagerly awaited for nearly two decades is finally moving forward, but its producer admits it will arrive with a tinge of bittersweet regret. Filmmaker Boney Kapoor has publicly expressed his disappointment at being unable to reassemble the beloved original trio of Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan for the long-gestating sequel, No Entry 2.

After announcing the project in 2019, Kapoor recently confirmed a complete cast overhaul, with Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor now leading the new installment. This decision, while necessary to finally get the film made, comes with a palpable sense of loss for the producer who shepherded the 2005 blockbuster.

Why Did the Original Cast Not Return for No Entry 2?

The central question on every fan’s mind is why the iconic original stars won’t be reprising their roles. According to Boney Kapoor, the simple, frustrating answer was time. In a candid interview, the producer revealed the immense effort and patience that ultimately led nowhere. “We waited for almost 8–10 years but somehow things didn’t happen,” Kapoor stated, highlighting the lengthy process of aligning schedules for three of Bollywood’s biggest names.

He candidly admitted, “Yeh humara loss hai that we could not retain the same star cast… Waqt beet gaya wait karte karte (Time passed while we kept waiting).” This lengthy delay created an insurmountable hurdle. Kapoor noted, “I lost the opportunity. The train has moved on. Now there will always be this regret that the original setup isn’t there.”

A Producer’s Bittersweet Admission

Kapoor’s comments, reported by Hindustan Times in August 2025, were filled with praise for the original actors, underscoring that the decision was not due to any friction. He called Salman Khan a “fantastic guy,” Anil Kapoor a “fantastic brother and actor,” and Fardeen Khan “one of the best guys I have known in the film industry.”

His heartfelt admission, “We will miss them,” speaks to the personal and professional connection he feels to the first film’s cast. The 2005 original, directed by Anees Bazmee, was a defining comedy of its era. Its success was built on the chemistry between its three leads as they navigated a hilarious plot of extra-marital affairs and mistaken identities, supported by a star-studded female cast and a chart-topping soundtrack.

What Can We Expect from the New No Entry 2?

With the original cast unavailable, the project is being reimagined for a new generation. Anees Bazmee remains at the helm as director, aiming to recapture the original’s comedic magic. Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor are confirmed to lead the new “younger lot of actors.” The female cast is yet to be officially announced, though speculation points to names like Tamannaah Bhatia.

The production has already navigated some turbulence, with reports of Diljit Dosanjh exiting due to date issues, which Kapoor clarified were not due to creative differences. This new iteration represents a fresh start, a necessity after a decade of waiting, but one that its producer acknowledges comes with the heavy weight of what might have been.

The long journey to No Entry 2 is a stark reminder of the complex realities of filmmaking, where artistic vision must sometimes yield to the unforgiving mechanics of scheduling and time. While the new cast promises a fresh take on the iconic comedy, Boney Kapoor’s sincere regret confirms that for many, the sequel will always feel the absence of its original stars.

Must Know

Why is Salman Khan not in No Entry 2?
According to producer Boney Kapoor, scheduling conflicts after waiting 8-10 years for the actors’ dates made it impossible to bring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan back. The production eventually had to move on with a new cast to get the film made.

Who is replacing Salman Khan in No Entry 2?
The sequel is not directly replacing individual actors but is instead featuring a completely new cast. Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor are the new leads, representing a younger generation for the franchise.

Is No Entry 2 confirmed?
Yes, No Entry 2 is officially confirmed and in development. It will be directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Boney Kapoor, with filming expected to commence soon.

What is the release date of No Entry 2?
An official release date for No Entry 2 has not been announced by the production team as of the latest updates in August 2025. The project is in the casting and pre-production phase.

Will any original cast members be in No Entry 2?
As currently planned, the main trio from the original film will not be returning. The focus is on a new cast, though there is always potential for special cameo appearances, which have not been confirmed.