Kartik Aaryan's creature comedy Naagzilla will not arrive in 2026. Earlier slated for an Independence Day release this year, the upcoming film produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films will now arrive in cinemas on February 12, 2027, coinciding with the Valentine’s Day weekend, the makers have announced.
With Naagzilla clearing the way, the coveted I-Day slot will now be occupied by Aamir Khan’s production Lahore 1947, marking a reshuffle among major Hindi film releases. The film starring Sunny Deol is slated for release on August 13.
Naagzilla, rooted in Indian folklore around shape-shifting snakes, stars Aryan in the lead role. The film is directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba (known for the Fukrey franchise) from a screenplay by Gautam Mehra. It is jointly produced by Karan Johar, Mahaveer Jain, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, and Neetu M Jain under the banners Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films, with Marijke deSouza and Divyansh Jain serving as co-producers.
Aaryan, who last headlined romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, alongside Ananya Panday, is currently attached to a diverse slate of projects. He recently reunited with his Chandu Champion director Kabir Khan for another sports drama. As per reports, the as-yet-untitled film is inspired by the life of Kashmiri kickboxing champion Tajamul Islam. Aaryan is reportedly set to play Islam's coach in the film. The project went on floors last month in Mumbai.
Aaryan is also set to collaborate with Chak De! India maker Shimit Amin on Captain India, an aviation drama inspired by a true story, in which he plays an Air Force pilot. The film is scheduled to be shot in India and Morocco. In addition, Aaryan has reportedly signed on for a zombie feature with Shershaah director Vishnuvardhan. The actor is also working on another romantic film with Anurag Basu.
