Ayan Mukerji Exits ‘Dhoom 4’ Over Creative Differences, Focuses on ‘Brahmastra’ Sequel

Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji has officially stepped away from the much-anticipated project Dhoom 4, produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF). The decision stems from reported creative differences between Mukerji and the studio, which prevented him from aligning his vision with the project’s direction.

According to Bollywood Hungama, Mukerji’s withdrawal was partly due to his limited control over the screenplay, which has been penned by Shridhar Raghavan. The director, recognized for his work on films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and the fantasy epic Brahmastra, expressed a desire to take a more creative lead rather than simply executing a pre-existing plan. A source close to the situation stated, “Ayan didn’t have much say in the screenplay and didn’t want to embark on another journey of just execution.”

Before making the decision to exit, Mukerji reportedly engaged in discussions with Aditya Chopra, the head of YRF, as well as actor Ranbir Kapoor. Both Chopra and Kapoor are said to have supported Mukerji’s choice, with insiders describing the parting as “completely amicable.”

Despite Mukerji’s departure, the future of Dhoom 4 remains intact. YRF plans to proceed with the film under a new director and may reassess casting options, even though Kapoor had previously reserved dates for the project.

Focus Shifts to Brahmastra Sequel

Following his exit from Dhoom 4, Mukerji is redirecting his efforts towards the next installment of his passion project, the Brahmastra series. He is currently developing Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, the sequel to the 2022 film, which garnered significant attention and box office success.

Production for the sequel, initially slated to begin earlier, is now expected to start in 2026. Mukerji aims to expand the Astraverse with a richer narrative, interweaving elements of mythology, drama, and visual spectacle. As fans await further developments, Mukerji’s commitment to enhancing the storytelling depth suggests an exciting future for the franchise.

The filmmaker’s move marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he balances the pressures of studio expectations with his artistic aspirations. As he transitions from YRF’s flagship action series to a deeply personal project, the industry will be closely watching how these shifts impact both his creative output and audience reception in the coming years.