Mumbai: The much-anticipated fantasy comedy Naagzilla starring Kartik Aaryan has been postponed, with makers announcing a new release date of February 12, 2027, aligning with the Valentine’s Day weekend.
The film was earlier scheduled to hit theatres on August 14, 2026, during the Independence Day holiday period.
Strategic shift in release window
The change in release date is seen as a strategic move to reposition the film for a more youth-oriented and romantic audience, while still retaining its fantasy-comedy appeal.
The postponement also helps the film avoid a box office clash with Lahore 1947, starring Sunny Deol and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, which is slated for release on August 13, 2026.
Backed by Aamir Khan’s production house, Lahore 1947 is expected to dominate the festive window, making the shift beneficial for Naagzilla.
High-profile collaboration fuels buzz
Naagzilla has already generated significant buzz due to its high-profile team. The film marks a notable collaboration between Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar, along with producer Mahaveer Jain.
The project also brings together a large production team, including Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, and Neetu M Jain, with co-producers Marijke deSouza and Divyansh Jain. The screenplay has been written by Gautam Mehra.
A VFX-heavy folklore entertainer
Directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, known for the Fukrey franchise, the film is a VFX-heavy creature comedy rooted in Indian folklore.
The story revolves around shape-shifting serpents, with Kartik Aaryan portraying a unique snake character. Actress Preity Mukhundhan stars opposite him.
The film is backed by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films.
Bigger theatrical ambitions
With its blend of fantasy, comedy, and romance, Naagzilla is being designed as a large-scale theatrical entertainer. The new Valentine’s weekend release is expected to enhance its appeal among younger audiences and couples.
Conclusion
The postponement of Naagzilla reflects a calculated move to maximise its box office potential while avoiding major competition. With strong backing and an intriguing concept, the film remains one of the most anticipated releases of 2027.