Suneel Darshan is back after 20 years with a new gen of stars for Andaaz 2

Twenty years after his blockbuster film Andaaz launched the careers of Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra, director Suneel Darshan is ready to unveil his next, which he is calling Andaaz 2. While developing a new story, Darshan found himself drawn to a love triangle that carried the same emotional graph and vibrancy as the original. That creative spark led him to title this film Andaaz 2, marking not just a sequel, but also the continuation of a legacy.

“If Andaaz launched two stars, I want the sequel to do the same,” says Darshan, who reunites with legendary composer Nadeem and lyricist Sameer to craft a soundtrack that echoes the romantic intensity of the first film. The film, which explores themes of love, friendship and some pressing social issues, is set to release today. Reflecting on the journey, Darshan shares, “Even though I started the sequel 20 years later, it has a similar strong emotional connect. The story is fresh with new faces, but it has the same fervour.”

Meet the new stars

Just as he introduced Lara and Priyanka to the world in Andaaz, Darshan has once again cast fresh talent in lead roles. The male lead, Aayush Kumar, hails from Gurgaon and studied in Chandigarh. Originally auditioning for a friend’s role, he unexpectedly caught Darshan’s attention. “Aayush is a remarkable boy — not only does he have the looks, but he’s also highly talented. I have high hopes for him,” Darshan shares.

Aakaisha, who makes her debut with Andaaz 2, was discovered through her Punjabi music videos. “She has an incredible screen presence,” says the director. “I wonder what she was doing in music videos all this time. Maybe, the universe made that happen so that I could discover her,” laughs Darshan. “She’s a born heroine,” he adds.

The third lead, Natasha Fernandez, had worked with the filmmaker in the past but took a break from acting and relocated to Delhi. Andaaz 2 marks her return to the silver screen and to Mumbai. “It’s great to have Natasha back, she suited the role well,” he emphasises.

Classic with a modern edge

When asked about the film’s genre, the producer-director of memorable hits like Ajay, Jaanwar and Barsaat describes Andaaz 2 as a quintessential Hindi entertainer. “It’s a love story at heart, with action, strong friendship bonds and intense drama. Everything that audiences still crave in a good film.” However, Andaaz 2 isn’t just about romance and entertainment. “I believe cinema should do more than just entertain — it should reflect and address social issues too,” says Darshan. Staying true to this belief, the film weaves in themes that resonate with current societal challenges.

Shades of Saiyaara? Yes & no

Given its story of a musical protagonist and a youthful love triangle, Andaaz 2 may remind audiences of the current favourite Saiyaara. But the director is quick to point out that his film brings more to the table. “While there are surface similarities, Andaaz 2 is its own film — rooted in emotional depth, backed by timeless music, and driven by sincere performances.” For Suneel Darshan, who comes from a film family and has spent decades in the industry, filmmaking is more than a career — it’s a calling. “Even when I’m not making films, I’m dreaming them,” he says. “Sometimes, audiences live those dreams with you; other times, they don’t. That’s the filmmaker’s journey.”

The plot

With a heart full of dreams, a soundtrack steeped in nostalgia, and a trio of fresh faces ready to shine, Andaaz 2 promises to be more than just a sequel — it’s the rebirth of an era.