Kartik Aaryan’s dream run in Hindi cinema just found its most audacious chapter yet. The actor is all set to headline Kaaliya, a big-scale mytho creature feature backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions that is being described as the banner’s most ambitious film to date. The news broke on Saturday evening, and by Sunday morning it had already set film circles buzzing.
What we know about Kaaliya so far
As per reports, Kaaliya will be directed by Sandeep Modi, the filmmaker behind the acclaimed web series The Night Manager. The project is reportedly a one-of-its-kind mythological creature feature mounted on a large budget, a genre space that Hindi cinema has rarely attempted at this scale.
The film is currently in pre-production and is scheduled to go on floors in December 2026. Neither Dharma Productions nor Kartik has officially announced the project yet, but the buzz around the collaboration has already taken over social media.
Three National Award winners on one project
One of the most striking aspects of the reported team-up is the awards pedigree behind it. The collaboration reportedly brings together three National Award-winning talents:
- Kartik Aaryan, who won the National Film Award for his performance in Chandu Champion
- Sandeep Modi, a National Award winner for Best Friends Forever
- Karan Johar, whose Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani brought him the honour
That is a rare combination of star power, craft and producing muscle on a single film.
A grand Diwali reveal attached to Ramayana
The announcement strategy itself sounds like a statement of intent. Reports suggest the film will be announced this Diwali with a strong video asset, and the same asset will be attached to the theatrical prints of Ramayana across cinemas.
That is no accident of scheduling. Dharma Productions is distributing Ramayana: Part One across the Hindi-speaking markets of North India, which makes it a smart in-house launchpad. If the rollout holds, the first visual of Kaaliya will play before one of the biggest theatrical audiences a Hindi film campaign can buy.
Why this is a big swing for Kartik
Look at Kartik Aaryan’s recent trajectory and the logic of the move becomes clear. After the commercial highs of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and the Pyaar Ka Punchnama franchise, he has already proved he can open a film. The National Award for Chandu Champion added critical weight to the box office numbers.
His calendar is already packed. An Anurag Basu-directed film with Sreeleela is locked for an April 30, 2027 release, and he is currently shooting Captain India. A mytho creature feature, a genre with almost no precedent at this scale in Hindi, is exactly the kind of risk that can separate a star from a superstar if it lands.
FAQs
What is Kaaliya?
Kaaliya is a reported big-budget mythological creature feature backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, with Kartik Aaryan set to play the lead.
Who is directing Kaaliya?
The film will reportedly be directed by Sandeep Modi, known for the hit web series The Night Manager.
When will Kaaliya be announced?
As per reports, the official announcement is planned for this Diwali, with a video asset attached to the theatrical prints of Ramayana.
When does shooting for Kaaliya begin?
The film is currently in pre-production and is scheduled to go on floors in December 2026.
Has Dharma Productions confirmed Kaaliya?
Not yet. The details are based on industry reports; an official announcement from the banner or the cast is still awaited.
The Kaaliya reveal, if it lands this Diwali as reported, could end up being one of the most talked-about announcements of the year. This story is developing, and we will update this space as official details emerge.
