Following the massive success of the ultra-violent actioner Kill, director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat is reportedly moving into the realm of epic storytelling. Industry insiders suggest that Kartik Aaryan is in advanced negotiations to headline Bhat’s next ambitious project—a high-octane action-adventure deeply rooted in Indian mythology.
The news comes at a pivotal time for Aaryan. While his recent 2025 release, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, faced a lukewarm reception at the box office, the actor’s professional momentum remains undeterred. This new collaboration is being described as a “one-of-a-kind” cinematic event, aiming to blend ancient lore with modern, large-scale spectacle.
A Fresh Direction for the ‘Kill’ Filmmaker
Nikhil Nagesh Bhat became the talk of the industry after Kill garnered international acclaim for its raw, relentless choreography. Transitioning from a gritty, localized thriller to a mythological epic marks a significant scale-up for the director.
According to sources close to the development, Aaryan was particularly impressed by Bhat’s vision and technical prowess in Kill. The upcoming film is expected to feature “never-seen-before” action sequences that leverage the director’s signature style but applied to a much grander, fantastical canvas.
For Aaryan, this project represents a strategic shift toward more “genre-heavy” and “mass-commercial” cinema. While he has dominated the rom-com and horror-comedy spaces with the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, a mythological action-adventure allows him to tap into a wider demographic.
“Kartik is looking to diversify his portfolio,” a source revealed. “He was immediately drawn to this script because it’s commercial yet novel. It has the potential to resonate with both urban audiences and the masses across India.”
The actor is currently managing one of the busiest schedules in Bollywood. Beyond this potential collaboration with Bhat, Aaryan has several major projects lined up for 2026. A fantasy-comedy where he plays a shape-shifting serpent, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and produced by Dharma Productions.
A romantic drama directed by Anurag Basu, featuring Sreeleela as the female lead. Discussions are currently underway with a major studio to finance and produce the new mythological project to ensure the visual effects and scale meet global standards.
While plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to be a “commercial potboiler” with a modern twist on traditional Indian myths. If the deal is finalized, pre-production is slated to begin later this year, with an eye on a massive theatrical release.
With both the actor and director coming off high-profile projects, this partnership is already being hailed as one of the most exciting collaborations to watch in the coming year. To know such latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
