Arjun Kapoor replaces Abhishek Bachchan in John Abraham’s next

Last year’s Malayalam blockbuster, Ayyappanum Koshiyum was all set to reunite John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan after 13 years for its Hindi remake. Having filmmaker Jagan Shakti on the director’s seat, this action-thriller would have had diametrically opposite roles after their unforgettable bromance back in Dostana (2008). This film had already begun the pre-production work to begin the shooting from November. However, early this month Abhishek Bachchan backed out of the film amicably due to date issues. And ever since his exit has made headlines, speculations are doing rounds about his replacement and the fate of the film. 

Now, the news is out that the Ayyappanum Koshiyum Hindi remake is definitely happening, and the replacement has been finalized against John Abraham. If reports are to be believed, Arjun Kapoor has stepped in to play the second lead. This would mark Arjun’s second collaboration with John after their upcoming Mohit Suri thriller Ek Villain Returns. This yet-untitled Hindi remake will again see the two clashing with each other, however, this time it’ll not be the action-oriented fight but rather the battle of egos between a well-connected, wealthy and influential ex-Havildar and an upright police officer. 

It was also revealed that Abhishek’s dates were apparently clashing with the shooting timelines of Amazon Prime’s Breathe Season 3 that he had committed to way before this film. John then offered the film to Arjun who immediately agreed to come on board. This casting change, however, has delayed the film further and it’ll now go on floors in January 2022. 

John Abraham is currently shooting for Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathan and will soon head to Spain for its final international stint. He will next be seen in Milap Zaveri’s masala entertainer Satyameva Jayate 2 which is expected to release in theatres later this year. Arjun Kapoor, meanwhile, is currently gearing up for the Disney+Hotstar premiere of his horror-comedy Bhoot Police that also stars Saif Ali Khan, Yami Gautam, and Jacqueline Fernandez in lead roles. He will shoot for the recently announced Aasmaan Bharadwaj debut directorial Kuttey sometime in November!