If you grew up in the 2000s, chances are Anees Bazmee’s No Entry (2005) sits comfortably on your list of comfort comedies. With Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu, and Lara Dutta, the film became one of Bollywood’s most loved laugh riots. Fast forward to nearly two decades, and the much-awaited sequel, titled No Entry 2, is finally gaining serious traction.
And the news has fans buzzing: the film is reportedly locked in for a grand Christmas 2026 release. Yes, that’s a long wait, but given the franchise’s legacy, Bazmee and his team are clearly playing the long game to ensure everything falls into place.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Exit: What Really Happened?
When the news of Diljit’s exit first surfaced, speculation naturally ran wild. Some fans wondered if it had to do with creative differences, while others connected it to his recent pairing with Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3. But producer Boney Kapoor quickly stepped in to put the rumors to rest.
In a candid chat with NDTV, Kapoor explained that Diljit had to part ways with the project purely because of date issues. He said,
“Yes, we have parted in good spirits, as the dates were not aligning with our requirements; hopefully, we will soon do a Punjabi film together.”
It’s worth noting that Diljit has a jam-packed schedule. Between his Aura Tour across Australia and New Zealand (October–November 2025) and a line-up of ongoing film projects, squeezing in time for No Entry 2 simply wasn’t possible.
While fans are understandably disappointed, the silver lining is that his exit was amicable, and who knows, maybe a collaboration between Diljit and Bazmee could happen down the line in a completely different space.
The Big Shoes to Fill
Now the big question: who will be the third lead? The buzz in industry circles is already heating up. Since the franchise is designed for big comedy with an ensemble cast, expectations are high. Whoever comes in will have to bring the same charm, comic timing, and mass appeal that the original stars carried so effortlessly.
Names are being tossed around online, but for now, Bazmee and Kapoor are keeping it under wraps. Fans are hoping for a surprise, maybe even a fresh face or an unexpected casting choice that could shake things up.
Why the Wait Until 2026?
If the film is already generating so much hype, why push the release all the way to Christmas 2026? Two reasons: scale and scheduling.
Bazmee has a reputation for mounting comedies that aren’t just about jokes but about lavish sets, star power, and situational extravagance. For No Entry 2, which involves double roles and multiple intertwining plots, the shoot will demand meticulous planning and coordination. Add to that the busy schedules of Varun, Arjun, and whoever signs on as the third lead, and a 2026 window starts to make sense.
And let’s be real: what better time to drop a comedy franchise than the holiday season, when families are flocking to theaters and looking for a feel-good laugh?
The Legacy Factor
It’s been 21 years since the first No Entry made audiences laugh till their stomachs hurt. That film, despite its adult comedy undertones, became a family favorite thanks to its slapstick humor and the chemistry among its stars.
With No Entry 2, Bazmee has the chance to introduce a younger audience to the franchise while also giving longtime fans a nostalgic sequel they’ve been waiting for. Varun and Arjun’s casting is itself an indication of a new, youthful energy, and it will be interesting to observe how Bazmee combines the retro-crazy of No Entry with current comedy sensibilities.
Final Thoughts
Sure, 2026 might feel like a lifetime away. But if there’s one thing we know about Bollywood’s comedy sequels, it’s that timing is everything, both on screen and off. With Bazmee at the helm, Boney Kapoor backing it, and a lineup of stars who know their way around humor, No Entry 2 promises to be worth the wait.
Now all eyes are on the casting announcement for that elusive third hero. Whoever it is, one thing’s certain: audiences are going to be treated to double the fun, double the confusion, and hopefully, double the laughter when No Entry 2 finally hits cinemas in Christmas 2026.