Ayan Mukerji Reportedly Removed as Director of ‘Dhoom 4’

Call it the side effect of the super flop War 2 or the fading shadow of nepotism — but reports suggest that Aditya Chopra has shown director Ayan Mukerji the exit door from his upcoming project Dhoom 4. The news has surprised many, especially because Ayan is the cousin of Aditya Chopra’s wife and actress Rani Mukerji.

This update surfaced around the same time when non-film-background actor Harshvardhan Rane, following the release of his film Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, publicly declared that audiences have finally rejected nepotism.

Just a few days ago, Aditya Chopra, through Yash Raj Films, had announced Dhoom 4 on Ranbir Kapoor’s birthday, confirming that Ranbir would play the lead role and Ayan Mukerji would direct it. As soon as the announcement went public, people began pointing out that despite Brahmastra’s failure, Ayan had bagged Dhoom 4 only because of nepotism.

However, now rumors are spreading that Ayan has been ousted from the project.

Ayan Mukerji, cousin of Rani Mukerji, began his career as an assistant to Ashutosh Gowariker before debuting as a writer-director in 2009 with Wake Up Sid, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma, which was a success. Following the same creative streak, he directed Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), again with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, which became a major hit.

After a long nine-year gap, Ayan returned with Brahmastra: Part One starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Amitabh Bachchan. The film’s underperformance shook the industry. All three of Ayan’s films so far were produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.

After Brahmastra: Part One failed, Karan Johar reportedly decided not to move forward with Part Two. It is said that, on Rani Mukerji’s recommendation, Aditya Chopra handed Ayan the responsibility of directing War 2. Unfortunately, War 2 flopped badly at the box office.

Despite that, Aditya Chopra still chose Ayan Mukerji to helm Dhoom 4. But within just a month, it seems he changed his mind.

Buzz from Bollywood corridors claims that Yash Raj Films has now dropped Ayan Mukerji from Dhoom 4. It remains to be seen when and how the full truth behind this news finally comes to light.

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