EXCLUSIVE: Kartik Aaryan-Sandeep Modi film back on track at Dharma Productions, goes on floors early 2027
Here's the latest update from the Bollywood world:
Details of the project are currently being kept under wraps, but sources describe the movie as a distinctive thriller blending action, romance and suspense. It will feature Kartik in a role markedly different from what he has played so far. “Karan Johar, Sandeep Modi and Kartik Aaryan have been discussing various projects after their patriotic action movie couldn't materialize. They of late zeroed in on this story that will present Kartik in the most commercial yet distinctly different action avatar. Modi is currently putting the finishing touches to his script and will begin pre-production by the end of this year,” a source close to the development told us.
Adding to this, This project will mark Kartik's third collaboration with Dharma Productions following last year's romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri and the forthcoming fantasy comedy Naagzilla , which is set to rollout in theatres during the Valentine's Day weekend next year. For Modi, this will mark his first theatrical Hindi directorial venture following his debut with the 2019 Marathi slice-of-life movie Chumbak , starring Swanand Kirkire.
Meanwhile, Modi was initially set to direct Kartik in a period action drama for Dharma Productions. The movie was revealed in November 2023, with plans to begin shooting in 2024 and rollout during the Independence Day weekend in 2025. However, the movie never progressed beyond the development stage for two primary reasons — the makers were unable to secure the life rights of the real-life figure on whom Kartik's character was based, while the movie's escalating budget also made the proposed production financially unviable for the banner at that point.
Notably, The latest Dharma project further expands Kartik's already packed lineup. The star is currently among the busiest young Bollywood stars, with half a dozen films in various stages of production. He has already completed shooting for Mrigdeep Singh Lamba's Naagzilla , while Anurag Basu's musical romance and Kabir Khan's sports drama are currently in production. In addition, Kartik is set to begin Shimit Amin's Captain India in September. He is expected to take up the Sandeep Modi movie only after completing these prior commitments.
Source: Bollywood Hungama