EXCLUSIVE: Kill debutante Lakshya recalls Karan Johar’s assurance after Dostana 2 was shelved: “He said ‘Nothing to worry about’”

Kill, the highly anticipated action thriller directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt, is set to release in theatres on July 5, 2024. Starring Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, and Tanya Maniktala, this film has already generated significant buzz. Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Sikhya Entertainment, Kill promises to deliver intense and violent action sequences that have captivated audiences from the trailer alone. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Lakshya talked about his debut, the long wait for his first film after Dostana 2 was shelved and what kept him going.Speaking about the shelved project, Lakshya said, “It was a dream. When I came to Bombay, I was 17 in 2015 and I knew I wanted to do films and become a film star. Eventually, things did not pan out. 2018 was the last time I did a TV show. Then, Dostana 2 was offered to me in 2019. I gave rounds of audition. It was a process of 6-months before I cracked the first film. Then I felt, finally films are happening. COVID-19 happened due to I had to leave the film. But thanks to my producers Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta, who always supported me. Then I thought that something would work out eventually. I had a huge self-belief that something or the other will pan out for me.”“I had hope. I never left my schedule – work out, do voice rehearsals, scene rehearsals, etc, I continued with it. The production always supported me and never made me feel that things will not pan out. After Dostana 2, when the news came out [of the film being shelved], I went to the office, and I was called by my director Collin D’Cunha. I went to the office and Karan sir was there and he said, ‘Nothing to worry about. Something or the other will pan out. Give us some time.’ Then, I thought that someone of his stature giving assurance and saying such a thing to you, would bring some confidence. My mother had belief too – she chanted a lot. That gave me self-belief and confidence. Then, Kill came to me in 2023, after 3-4 years,” the actor added.The planned sequel to the hit 2008 romantic comedy Dostana has been a source of much speculation since its abrupt shelving in 2021. While the official reason remains unclear, rumours were rife about a potential falling out between actor Kartik Aaryan and producer Karan Johar. Dostana 2 was set to star Aaryan alongside Janhvi Kapoor and newcomer Lakshya. Filming had even begun, with reports suggesting 30-35 days of shooting completed, before Dharma Productions, Johar's production company, announced the project's suspension.Meanwhile, Kill is being touted as the most violent film written by Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt. The film will release in theatres on July 5, 2024.ALSO READ: Kill: Lakshya considers Dharma Productions’ as his second family: “I am incredibly fortunate and grateful”