India, July 27 -- Is Vidya Balan no longer associated to Kahaani franchise? Reposts suggest actor Yami Gautam is set to headline Kahaani 3, replacing Vidya Balan in Sujoy Ghosh's acclaimed thriller franchise.

The development was first reported by Pinkvilla, which quoted a source close to the development claiming that the third instalment will feature "a new story altogether" while retaining the essence of the Kahaani universe.

According to Pinkvilla, the source said, "The idea is to take the franchise forward while retaining the essence of the world that audiences have loved. Yami Gautam is coming on board as the lead, and the character has a very strong arc." The source mentioned that the film is currently in the pre-production stage, ...