'Dostana' sequel's release date booked much in advance?

Nowadays, the release dates of Bollywood films are already decided in advance. In fact, more often than not, even before the film hits the floor! A case in point: Karan Johar reportedly blocking dates - Independence Day, to be specific - for the release of the Dostana sequel in 2014.u00a0

Interestingly enough, Dostana starring John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra released on Children's Day in 2008. Produced by KJo and directed by Tarun Mansukhani - who is also slated to direct the sequel - the first installation did well at the box office. The shooting for the sequel is expected to commence in September or October this year.

"The film was supposed to release on August 15, 2013 but thanks to unavoidable delays, the project kept on postponing. Now the idea is to make the most of the national holiday as well as of the coincidence that it's a Friday; the quintessential day for a movie release in India," says a well-placed source.

The script is apparently good to go. Over the years, there were several speculations about this forthcoming comedy doing the round. John and Abhishek are part of the project while the latest buzz is that Katrina Kaif has been approached to replace Priyanka.

"Since it's almost five years since Dostana, rumours are bound to take place. Anyway it's going to be a family entertainer and with the date fixed, the film has got a firm direction to move towards," concludes the source.
Karan Johar remained unavailable for comment.u00a0