Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan has taken fans by surprise with a never-before-seen avatar in his upcoming fantasy film NaagZilla. In a dramatic motion poster revealed on Tuesday, Kartik is seen as Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, an Ichadaari Naag (shape-shifting serpent). The film is set to release in theatres on August 14, 2026, coinciding with Naag Panchami.
Karan Johar Announces the Spectacle
Producer Karan Johar took to Instagram to unveil the motion poster, writing:
“Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh li, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar! #NaagZilla – Naag lok ka pehla kaand… Funnn phailaane aa raha hai – Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand… Naag Panchami par aapke nazdeeki Sssssinemas mein – 14 August 2026 ko!”
NaagZilla marks Kartik’s second collaboration with Dharma Productions after the upcoming Valentine’s Day release Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri. The film is a blend of fantasy, folklore, and fun, produced by Karan Johar, Mahaveer Jain, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, and Sujit Jain.
According to Bollywood Hungama, Akshay Kumar was initially approached for the role but declined due to his discomfort with the snake-centric theme. Having starred in Jaani Dushman, he was reluctant to revisit the genre. After multiple discussions, the team cast Kartik, who was immediately drawn to the man-vs-snake conflict.
Kartik’s Upcoming Projects
Apart from NaagZilla, Kartik Aaryan is also working on a romantic musical directed by Anurag Basu, co-starring South sensation Sreeleela in her Bollywood debut. The film’s first look dropped on February 15, showing Kartik as a heartbroken singer opposite a charming Sreeleela.