Kabir Khan, Kartik Aaryan Reunite For New Sports Drama On Kashmiri Kickboxer Tajamul Islam: Reports

Filmmaker Kabir Khan has commenced work on a new sports drama, marking his second collaboration with actor Kartik Aaryan after Chandu Champion (2024). According to a report in Mid-Day, the as-yet-untitled film is inspired by the life of Kashmiri kickboxing champion Tajamul Islam.

The project went on floors on Monday (March 16) at a restaurant in Parel, Mumbai, where the director filmed scenes with a crowd of nearly 70 junior artistes. The location was redesigned to reflect a middle-class setting central to the film’s early chapters. While the actor portraying Islam has not been officially revealed, Aaryan is reportedly set to play her coach. He is expected to join the shoot later this week and has undergone kickboxing training in preparation for the role.

The Mumbai schedule is expected to continue for approximately two weeks, following which the production will move to Kashmir for an extended shooting stint. The report noted that a significant portion of the film is set in the Valley. Khan and his team had conducted a recce in Kashmir in February ahead of filming.

Tajamul Islam became India’s youngest world kickboxing champion after winning gold in the Under-8 category at the World Kickboxing Championship in 2016. She later secured another gold medal in the Under-14 category in 2021. In 2019, she established a training academy in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir, citing limited access to sports infrastructure in the region.

Recently, Applause Entertainment has partnered with Kabir Khan to co-produce two theatrical films. The banner, known for series such as Scam 1992, Criminal Justice, and Black Warrant, will collaborate with Kabir Khan Films on the projects. Khan, whose filmography includes Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), 83 (2021), and Chandu Champion (2024), will direct one of the films while serving as creative producer on both. An official announcement for the films are currently awaited.