Bollywood’s most successful female-led heist comedy of 2024 is officially getting a sequel, but with an intriguing twist that has fans both excited and concerned. While Kareena Kapoor Khan has allegedly confirmed her return for Crew 2, the fate of her co-stars Tabu and Kriti Sanon remains shrouded in uncertainty. Here’s everything we know about the highly anticipated sequel that could either reunite the beloved trio or introduce fresh faces to the franchise.
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Breaking News: Crew 2 Officially in Development
According to industry reports from Pinkvilla, Crew 2 has been officially confirmed and is currently in the development phase. The announcement comes approximately eighteen months after the original film became one of 2024’s biggest box office surprises, proving that female-centric comedies can dominate ticket sales when backed by strong performances and witty storytelling.
Crew 2 Development Status
| Production Phase | Current Status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Script Development | In Progress | Nascent stages |
| Kareena Kapoor Involvement | Confirmed (pending final screenplay) | Awaiting full script |
| Tabu’s Participation | Uncertain | Under discussion |
| Kriti Sanon’s Return | Unclear | Replacement being considered |
| Official Announcement | Not yet made | TBA by production house |
A source close to the project revealed the franchise potential: “Crew as a franchise has strong potential to lead itself to a franchise. The team have brainstormed several ideas, and finally zeroed down on one which has the potential to seamlessly lead itself into a Crew 2.”
Kareena Kapoor Khan: The Confirmed Returnee
Kareena Kapoor has emerged as the confirmed anchor for Crew 2, with reports indicating she has already expressed strong interest in reprising her role as Jasmine Kohli, the glamorous flight attendant with expensive tastes and entrepreneurial ambitions. However, the actress is reportedly waiting to read the complete screenplay before officially signing on the dotted line.
The source added: “Kareena has already shown interest in Crew 2, and is waiting to hear the full screenplay before signing the dotted lines. Things are in the nascent stages at the moment, but the entire team is excited to take the franchise route for Crew.“
Why Kareena Kapoor’s Return Matters
Kareena Kapoor’s performance in the original Crew was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Critics noted that she elevated the narrative several notches with a character tailor-made for her strengths. The Hindu called her the “tour de force of the film,” while her ability to walk the thin line between greed and need with ease made Jasmine Kohli one of 2024’s most memorable characters.
Beyond critical acclaim, Kareena Kapoor brought star power and box office appeal that helped Crew cross the coveted ₹100 crore mark domestically. Her involvement in Crew 2 ensures continuity and provides the sequel with a solid foundation to build upon.
The Big Question: Will Tabu and Kriti Sanon Return?
The elephant in the room remains the uncertainty surrounding Tabu and Kriti Sanon’s participation in Crew 2. While industry insiders confirm that three A-list actresses are being considered for the sequel, the participation of the original trio is not guaranteed.
Original Crew Cast Performance
| Actress | Character | Role | Status for Crew 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tabu | Geeta Sethi | Senior flight attendant, married woman seeking better life | Uncertain |
| Kareena Kapoor Khan | Jasmine Kohli | Fashion-forward attendant with business dreams | Confirmed |
| Kriti Sanon | Divya Rana | Aspiring pilot working as attendant | Unclear |
According to reports, the makers are keeping all options open. If Tabu and Kriti Sanon choose not to return—or if scheduling conflicts prevent their participation—the production team is prepared to cast new A-list actresses to join Kareena Kapoor in the sequel.
This approach mirrors successful franchise strategies where core cast members change while maintaining the essence of what made the original special. However, many fans worry that replacing the original trio could diminish the chemistry that made Crew such a delightful watch.
Producer Rhea Kapoor’s Official Statement
Amid growing speculation and rumors about Crew 2, producer Rhea Kapoor and her production house, Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN), released an official statement addressing the sequel buzz.
The statement read: “We remain grateful for the love, curiosity, and critical acclaim that Crew continues to receive around the world. On behalf of AKFCN, we warmly congratulate Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon for the recognition and nominations their performances are earning.”
Regarding the sequel specifically, the producers clarified: “As for what the future holds, any news about the next chapter of AKFCN, including where the world of Crew goes from here and the stories yet to come, will be announced when the story and timing are right.”
This carefully worded statement confirms that discussions about Crew 2 are happening while cautioning fans not to believe every rumor circulating online. The producers are clearly taking their time to ensure the sequel lives up to the original’s success.
What Made the Original Crew a Blockbuster?
To understand why Crew 2 is generating such excitement, it’s essential to examine what made the original film resonate so strongly with audiences.
Box Office Performance
Crew became a commercial phenomenon upon its theatrical release on March 29, 2024. The heist comedy exceeded expectations, ultimately grossing over ₹157.08 crore globally, making it the sixth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024. At the domestic box office, the film collected approximately ₹90 crore net in India.
Crew Box Office Milestones:
- Opening Day: ₹10.28 crore
- Opening Weekend: ₹32.60 crore
- First Week: ₹47.54 crore
- Final Domestic Total: ₹90 crore
- Worldwide Gross: ₹157.08 crore
The film also became the second Hindi film of 2024 to achieve the $1 million mark at the overseas box office, surpassing even bigger-budget productions.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Response
Critics praised Crew for its fresh perspective on female-led narratives in Bollywood. The Indian Express awarded it 3.5 stars, describing it as an “easy-breezy comedy” that washed away the disappointment of recent Bollywood releases. Filmfare noted that the film “totally smashes through stereotypes” and delivers “an honest-to-goodness rollercoaster ride.”
The chemistry between the three leads received particular attention. Reviewers highlighted how Tabu brought comfort to the “older woman avatar,” Kareena Kapoor treaded the line between greed and need with ease, and Kriti Sanon held her own in their commanding company.
The Plot: What Crew Was About
For those unfamiliar with the original, Crew told the story of three flight attendants working for the bankrupt Kohinoor Airlines—a thinly veiled parody of Vijay Mallya’s failed Kingfisher Airlines.
The Three Protagonists:
Geeta Sethi (Tabu): The senior-most crew member, married to Arun (Kapil Sharma), living in a modest Mumbai apartment after family feuds cost them their wealth. Dreams of moving to Goa to open a restaurant.
Jasmine Kohli (Kareena Kapoor Khan): Raised by her maternal grandfather after losing her parents young, learned early that money can buy happiness. Trying to launch a skincare business while working as a flight attendant.
Divya Rana (Kriti Sanon): Trained as a pilot and top of her class, but the recession left her jobless. Pretends to her family that she’s a pilot while actually working as a junior flight attendant, struggling to pay off loans.
All three face the same crisis: their employer hasn’t paid salaries for six months. When a senior crew member dies during a flight to Al Burj, the trio discovers an opportunity for gold smuggling that could solve their financial problems—leading to a series of comedic and thrilling complications.
What Could Crew 2’s Storyline Be?
While plot details for Crew 2 remain under wraps, the original film’s open-ended conclusion left room for continuation. The source quoted by Pinkvilla mentioned that the team “finally zeroed down on one which has the potential to seamlessly lead itself into a Crew 2.”
Possible Directions for the Sequel
International Expansion: The first film hinted at international routes and smuggling operations spanning multiple countries. Crew 2 could explore the characters taking their schemes global.
New Airline, New Challenges: Following Kohinoor Airlines’ bankruptcy, the crew might join a different airline with its own set of problems and opportunities.
Legal Consequences: The sequel could address the aftermath of their gold smuggling activities, potentially involving them in more elaborate schemes to avoid prosecution.
Fresh Characters: If new actresses join Kareena Kapoor, the story might introduce new crew members with different backgrounds and motivations, creating fresh dynamics.
Producer Rhea Kapoor previously expressed both excitement and trepidation about sequels. In an interview with Variety shortly after Crew’s release, she admitted: “I really get scared of sequels, I’m so afraid of them. Ekta (Kapoor, co-producer) gets so annoyed with me.” However, she acknowledged that Crew’s open-ended nature makes it suitable for franchise development.
The Creative Team: Will They Return?
The original Crew was directed by Rajesh A. Krishnan and written by Nidhi Mehra and Mehul Suri. No official word has emerged about whether the same creative team will return for Crew 2.
Original Crew Creative Team:
- Director: Rajesh A. Krishnan (known for Lootcase)
- Writers: Nidhi Mehra and Mehul Suri (who also wrote Veere Di Wedding)
- Producers: Ekta Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Digvijay Purohit
- Production Companies: Balaji Motion Pictures and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network
Given the first film’s success, it’s likely the producers will try to bring back the key creative minds who understood the delicate balance between comedy, heist thriller elements, and female empowerment themes.
Kareena Kapoor’s Current Projects
While awaiting final confirmation on Crew 2, Kareena Kapoor Khan remains busy with multiple high-profile projects. She is currently filming Daayra (also spelled Dayra) with acclaimed director Meghna Gulzar and co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film promises to be a gripping drama that showcases Kareena Kapoor’s range beyond comedy.
Additionally, reports suggest early discussions about a sequel to Veere Di Wedding (2018), which would reunite Kareena Kapoor with producers Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor—the same team behind Crew. If both sequels materialize, Kareena Kapoor would solidify her position as Bollywood’s queen of female-centric ensemble comedies.
The Franchise Potential of Crew
The decision to develop Crew into a franchise reflects broader trends in Bollywood, where successful female-led films are increasingly being recognized for their commercial viability and franchise potential.
Why Crew Works as a Franchise
Flexible Format: The premise of flight attendants getting into various schemes allows for endless story possibilities across different airlines, countries, and scenarios.
Strong Brand Identity: The title “Crew” evokes teamwork, female friendship, and the aviation industry—all elements that can be maintained even with cast changes.
Proven Box Office Appeal: With over ₹157 crore worldwide, the original demonstrated that audiences will turn out for well-executed female ensemble comedies.
Contemporary Relevance: Stories about working women facing financial pressures while maintaining dignity and humor resonate with modern audiences.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Social media has been buzzing since news of Crew 2 first emerged. Fans are divided between excitement about the sequel’s potential and concern about the possible absence of Tabu and Kriti Sanon.
Many viewers have expressed that the chemistry between all three leads was the film’s greatest strength. Comments on social media platforms emphasize that while Kareena Kapoor was exceptional, Tabu’s grounded wisdom and Kriti Sanon’s youthful energy created the perfect balance.
Others argue that good writing and direction matter more than specific cast members, pointing to successful franchise reboots that introduced new characters while maintaining the spirit of the original.
Comparing Crew to Other Bollywood Female Ensemble Films
Crew joins a growing list of successful female-led ensemble films in Bollywood, including Veere Di Wedding (2018), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), and English Vinglish (2012). What set Crew apart was its heist comedy genre—traditionally male-dominated territory—combined with workplace struggles that felt authentic to modern working women.
The film proved that female-driven stories don’t need to be limited to family dramas or romantic comedies. Women can lead action-oriented, high-stakes narratives while maintaining humor and emotional depth.
When Can We Expect Crew 2?
With the project currently in nascent stages and Kareena Kapoor still awaiting the final screenplay, a firm release date for Crew 2 remains distant. Assuming the script is finalized by early 2026, pre-production could begin mid-2026, with filming potentially starting late 2026 or early 2027.
This timeline would place Crew 2’s theatrical release sometime in 2027 at the earliest—approximately three years after the original. This gap would allow the creative team sufficient time to craft a worthy sequel while ensuring the cast’s availability aligns with production schedules.
The Stakes for Crew 2
The sequel faces significant pressure to live up to its predecessor. Follow-up films to successful comedies often struggle to recapture the magic, falling into the trap of recycling jokes or forcing plots that feel contrived.
However, Crew 2 has several advantages:
- An established world with franchise potential
- A committed star in Kareena Kapoor Khan
- Producers who understand the formula that worked
- Source material (airline industry scandals, smuggling rings) that provides endless inspiration
- An audience hungry for quality female-led entertainment
Producer Rhea Kapoor’s admitted nervousness about sequels actually works in the project’s favor—it suggests a thoughtful approach rather than a cash-grab mentality.
What This Means for Bollywood’s Female Stars
The development of Crew 2, along with discussions about Veere Di Wedding 2, signals a positive shift in Bollywood’s approach to female-led franchises. For years, only male superstars had franchise opportunities (like the Tiger series, Singham series, or Dhoom franchise).
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s involvement in potentially two major female ensemble franchises positions her as a pioneer who’s helping create sustainable career paths for actresses beyond their youth. At 44 years old (as of 2025), Kareena Kapoor proves that leading roles in commercial cinema aren’t reserved exclusively for women in their twenties.
The Verdict: Excitement Mixed with Caution
While the confirmation of Crew 2 is undoubtedly exciting news for fans of the original, the uncertainty surrounding the full cast creates understandable anxiety. The magic of Crew lay not just in its clever plot or stylish execution, but in the genuine chemistry between three talented actresses who brought distinct energies to the screen.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s confirmed involvement provides a strong foundation, but whether the sequel can capture the original’s charm without the full trio remains to be seen. Much will depend on the strength of the screenplay and whether new cast members (if brought in) can create comparable chemistry.
For now, fans must practice patience as the production team works to craft a sequel worthy of the Crew name. When Rhea Kapoor and AKFCN finally make their official announcement, we’ll know whether this is a true reunion or an evolution of the franchise with fresh faces joining Kareena Kapoor on new high-flying adventures.
One thing is certain: the world is ready for more stories about strong, funny, flawed women taking control of their destinies—whether they’re the same crew we fell in love with or a new team entirely.
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FAQs
Is Crew 2 officially confirmed?
Yes, Crew 2 is confirmed and in development. Kareena Kapoor Khan has shown interest in returning but is awaiting the final screenplay. Producer Rhea Kapoor stated official announcements will come when the story and timing are right.
Will all three original actresses return for Crew 2?
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s return is confirmed, but Tabu and Kriti Sanon’s participation remains uncertain. The makers are considering three A-list actresses, potentially including new faces if the original co-stars don’t return.
When will Crew 2 release in theaters?
No official release date has been announced. With the project in early development stages, a realistic estimate places the release sometime in 2027 or later, approximately three years after the original’s March 2024 release.
How successful was the original Crew movie?
Crew was a major hit, grossing over ₹157.08 crore worldwide and becoming the sixth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024. It earned approximately ₹90 crore domestically and received mostly positive reviews with an average 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Who are the producers of Crew 2?
Crew 2 is being developed by the same team: Ekta Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, and Anil Kapoor through Balaji Motion Pictures and AKFCN. Whether director Rajesh A. Krishnan and writers Nidhi Mehra and Mehul Suri will return hasn’t been announced.
