Ananya Panday’s ‘Call Me Bae 2’ rerouted after conflict disrupts Dubai schedule

After weeks of escalating tensions that sent shockwaves across global affairs, the recently announced ceasefire in the Middle East has brought a sense of cautious relief. The conflict disrupted businesses worldwide, with industries far removed from the region also feeling its ripple effects.

Back home in India, the Hindi entertainment industry, too, appears to have been impacted during the period of uncertainty.

Amid this backdrop, Mathrubhumi English has learned that Ananya Panday-led ‘Call Me Bae Season 2’ allegedly faced last-minute hurdles and financial setbacks at the peak of the crisis.

According to a source close to the development of the web series, a segment of ‘Call Me Bae 2’ was initially scheduled to be shot in Dubai, with reservations confirmed and locations locked well in advance.

However, as tensions in the Middle East escalated, the situation in Dubai grew uncertain, forcing the makers to make abrupt changes.

The team had to cancel travel plans, hotel bookings, and location arrangements, resulting in financial losses.

“The team was supposed to leave for Dubai on March 12, but by March 8, we were alerted to the growing instability in the region. Everything had already been booked. With cancellations came losses, as most of the arrangements were non-refundable,” the source told Mathrubhumi English.

The production was eventually shifted to Thailand. “The team left for Thailand on March 29, and thankfully, the schedule went ahead without any issues. It turned out to be a smooth shoot, and the team has since returned to India,” the source added.

Headlined by Ananya Panday, ‘Call Me Bae’ is a comedy-drama series that premiered on Prime Video in September 2024. The show also features Vir Das, Vihaan Samant, Gurfateh Pirzada, Muskkan Jaferi, and Niharika Dutt in key roles.

The series follows Bella, aka ‘Bae’, a fashion-forward socialite who, after being cut off from her privileged life, reinvents herself in Mumbai.

She stumbles into journalism, learning to navigate the challenges of reporting and independence despite having no prior experience.

Directed by Colin D’Cunha and created by Ishita Moitra, the second season will return to Prime Video.

While the release date remains unannounced, a teaser dropped in March, with reports suggesting Shruti Haasan will play a key role.