# Will Kriti Sanon Replace Jacqueline Fernandez in Salman Khan’s Kick 2?

URL: https://technosports.co.in/will-kriti-sanon-replace-jacqueline-fernandez-in-salman-khans-kick-2/  
Published: 2025-12-20  
Updated: 2025-12-20  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Bollywood buzz suggests Kriti Sanon is joining Salman Khan’s highly anticipated Kick 2, potentially replacing Jacqueline Fernandez who starred in the 2014 blockbuster. With conflicting reports flooding social media and Salman himself confirming the sequel is underway, fans deserve clarity. Here’s what’s actually confirmed versus what’s pure speculation.

## Kick 2: What’s Confirmed vs. Speculation

| **Aspect** | **Status** | **Details** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Kick 2 Production** | ✅ CONFIRMED | Salman announced filming on Bigg Boss 19 finale (Dec 7) |
| **Producer** | ✅ CONFIRMED | Sajid Nadiadwala (Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment) |
| **Director** | ⏳ LIKELY | Sajid Nadiadwala expected to return |
| **Announcement Date** | ⏳ LIKELY | December 27, 2025 (Salman’s 60th birthday) |
| **Kriti Sanon Casting** | ❌ UNCONFIRMED | Reports say “in talks” or “approached” |
| **Jacqueline’s Return** | ❌ CONFLICTING | Some reports say she’s returning, others say replaced |
| **Shooting Timeline** | ⏳ SPECULATED | Post-Sikandar release (after Eid 2025) |
| **Age Gap Discussion** | ✅ CONFIRMED | 25 years between Salman (60) and Kriti (35) |

## What Salman Khan Actually Confirmed

On December 7, 2025, during the Bigg Boss 19 Grand Finale, Salman Khan revealed he’s currently shooting Kick 2. This marked the first official confirmation from the superstar himself that the decade-awaited sequel is finally happening. However, he provided zero details about the female lead, director, or release date.

This announcement contradicts earlier reports suggesting filming would begin between June-August 2025 after Sikandar’s Eid release. The conflicting timelines indicate some reports may be outdated or speculative.

![Kick 2](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-857-1024x576.png)

## The Kriti Sanon Rumor: Where It Started

Multiple entertainment outlets reported this week that Kriti Sanon is reportedly in talks to star opposite Salman Khan in the sequel, replacing Jacqueline Fernandez, though official confirmation is awaited. These reports emerged around December 18-19, 2025, creating massive buzz online.

However, it’s crucial to note that every single report uses cautious language: “reportedly,” “approached,” “in talks,” or “being considered.” Not a single source claims official confirmation from Sajid Nadiadwala, Salman Khan, or Kriti Sanon herself.

## Conflicting Reports About the Female Lead

Here’s where it gets messy. Earlier in 2025, different reports claimed:

**February 2025**: Box Office Worldwide reported Jacqueline Fernandez would return as the female lead, with shooting planned for mid-2025.

**December 2019**: Bollywood Hungama reported that Pooja Hegde, Kriti Sanon, and Jacqueline Fernandez were all contenders, with Sajid Nadiadwala planning to present all three names to Salman Khan for final decision.

**December 2025**: Current reports suggest Kriti Sanon is the frontrunner, potentially replacing Jacqueline entirely.

These conflicting reports suggest casting decisions remain fluid and unofficial. According to [Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment](https://www.nadiadwalagrandson.com/), the production house known for keeping details under wraps until official announcements, nothing is set in stone yet.

## Why the Age Gap Became a Talking Point

If Kriti Sanon does join Kick 2, the duo would share a 25-year age gap, with Salman turning 60 this December while Kriti is 35. This follows recent criticism of Salman being paired with Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar, where they share a 31-year age difference.

The industry’s pattern of casting much younger actresses opposite senior male stars has become increasingly controversial. While Salman’s fans celebrate fresh pairings, a vocal section questions whether these age gaps serve storytelling or simply follow outdated Bollywood formulas.

## What Makes Kriti Sanon a Strong Contender

If the rumors prove true, Kriti makes strategic sense for several reasons:

**Established Star Power**: Coming off successful performances in films like Adipurush, Bhediya, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Kriti has proven box office pull.

**Nadiadwala Connection**: Kriti was launched by Sajid Nadiadwala’s production house in Heropanti (2014), creating an existing professional relationship that could favor her selection.

**Contemporary Appeal**: At 35, Kriti represents a younger generation of stars while being established enough to hold her own opposite Salman’s massive stardom.

**Fresh Pairing**: Salman and Kriti have never worked together before, offering audiences something new rather than recycling past pairings.

## The Birthday Announcement Strategy

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala reportedly plans to officially announce Kick 2 on Salman Khan’s 60th birthday—December 27, 2025. This strategic timing serves multiple purposes: maximum media attention, emotional significance tying the sequel to Salman’s milestone birthday, and creating a celebratory event that builds anticipation.

If true, fans have just one week to wait for official clarity on the female lead, director, and potentially the release date.

## What About the Original Kick’s Success?

The 2014 original Kick was a massive blockbuster that collected over ₹230 crore net at the domestic box office, making it one of the highest-grossing films of that year. The film showcased Salman as Devi Lal Singh (Devil), a thrill-seeking vigilante who steals for noble causes.

Jacqueline Fernandez played Dr. Shaina Mehra, Devil’s love interest who initially doesn’t know his true identity. The chemistry, combined with chartbuster songs like “Jumme Ki Raat” and “Devil,” made the pairing memorable. Replacing Jacqueline means finding someone who can match or exceed that screen presence.

For more insights on Bollywood casting decisions and sequel strategies, check our [Salman Khan filmography guide](https://technosports.co.in/) and [Bollywood age gap debate analysis](https://technosports.co.in/).

## The Verdict: Speculation, Not Confirmation

**FACT CHECK CONCLUSION**: As of December 20, 2025, Kriti Sanon replacing Jacqueline Fernandez in Kick 2 is UNCONFIRMED SPECULATION. While multiple reports suggest she’s in talks for the role, no official announcement has been made by the production house, Salman Khan, or Kriti Sanon herself.

What IS confirmed: Kick 2 is happening (per Salman’s December 7 announcement), Sajid Nadiadwala is producing, and a major announcement is expected on Salman’s 60th birthday, December 27, 2025.

Fans should wait for official confirmation before treating casting reports as fact. Bollywood’s rumor mill often presents speculation as confirmed news, especially for high-profile projects like this sequel.

## FAQs

### **Q: Has Kriti Sanon confirmed she’s doing Kick 2?**

  
No. As of December 20, 2025, neither Kriti Sanon nor the official production house has confirmed her involvement in Kick 2. All current reports use speculative language like “approached,” “in talks,” or “being considered.” The only confirmed information comes from Salman Khan’s December 7 announcement that he’s shooting Kick 2—but he revealed no details about the cast. Official casting announcements are expected on December 27 during Salman’s 60th birthday celebrations.

### **Q: Why would Jacqueline Fernandez be replaced in Kick 2?**

This remains unclear since no official statement explains the casting decision. Earlier reports from February 2025 suggested Jacqueline would return for the sequel. However, Bollywood sequels sometimes replace original actors for various reasons: creative differences, scheduling conflicts, desire for fresh pairings, or strategic decisions to attract new audiences. Additionally, some reports from 2019 suggested Sajid Nadiadwala had multi-film deals with several actresses including Kriti Sanon and Pooja Hegde, potentially giving them priority consideration. Until official announcements arrive, the reasoning behind any casting changes remains purely speculative.