Sid Malhotra and Fawad or Arjun in KJO-Shakun's next opposite Alia

Vikramaditya Motwane's loss is Shakun Batra's gain. The Lootera director's next Bhavesh Joshi for Dharma Productions with Sidharth Malhotra was shelved. Producer Karan Johar decided rather than losing the dates of Sidharth to another producer, to cast him in a film directed by Shakun (Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu fame).

A source reveals that the film is a two-hero project. He adds, "Sidharth's dates are available from April onwards with Bhavesh Joshi shelved. Arjun Kapoor and Fawad Khan are front-runners to play the parallel lead. Between the two, the part might go to the former, if negotiations work out. Female leads are being worked out. Alia's name is doing the rounds."

Buzz is that the film is about two brothers who are part of a dysfunctional family. One of them is gay and the film is a coming-out story. The source adds, "Sid has a fantastic role in this film and it will give him an opportunity to showcase his versatility. The story takes place over a weekend where the family goes for an outing and during the fun and games, one of the two brothers reveals his sexuality." The director remained unavailable for comment.