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Filmmaker and director Karan Johar has signed on to produce a mythological superhero project titled Gadadhari Bheem, which is written and directed by Abhishek Varman. As reported by Bollywood Hungama, the story is inspired by the tale of the Mahabharata character and hero Bheem, with the report suggesting that the film will give the mythological figure a superhero twist.
The report also state that the film's scripting process is complete, with the final script locked. The production is expected to head into the casting process next.
Backed by Johar's Dharma Productions, this project is being envisioned as a large-scale epic made on a significant budget, and will reportedly bring together an emotional tale and large-scale visuals.
Gadadhari Bheem will also mark a change in Abhishek Varman's filmography. Varman previously directed 2 States (2014), starring Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, which was based on Chetan Bhagat's novel of the same name and was co-produced by Dharma Productions. His subsequent directorial venture, the period drama film Kalank (2019), also produced by Dharma Productions, starred Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan in leading roles.
Gadadhari Bheem marks Varman's return to direction after seven years and his third collaboration with Dharma Productions.
Karan Johar was also recently announced to back Sachin Ravi's next directorial under the Dharma Productions banner. According to a report in Pinkvilla, the project will bring together history, love and grand visuals.
Further, Dharma Productions is teaming with Leo Media Collective for a large-scale theatrical biopic on Rameshwar Nath Kao, a storied spymaster and the founding father of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India's external intelligence agency. Currently in the developmental stages, the yet-untitled film is eyeing a theatrical release on August 11, 2028, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend. The banner is also marking its foray into Malayalam cinema, joining hands with actor, director and producer Prithviraj Sukumaran to back Rahul Sadasivan's Odiyan - The Age of Illusion, which went on floors this September.