The much-talked-about fantasy-action entertainer Naagzilla officially began filming with a traditional muhurat ceremony, marking a significant collaboration between Kartik Aaryan and filmmaker Karan Johar. The launch event took place at a city studio, attended by the cast and crew, signalling the start of what is expected to be one of the most ambitious Bollywood big-screen spectacles of 2026.
Kartik Aaryan, who was last seen in a mix of romantic comedies and dramatic roles, is now transitioning into a larger-than-life mytho-action zone with Naagzilla. The project blends folklore-inspired storytelling with contemporary high-scale visual effects — a genre Bollywood has recently been exploring with renewed interest.
A Fresh Start for the Aaryan–Johar Collaboration
The collaboration between Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan had earlier made headlines for speculation and professional differences during a previous project. However, the two have now appeared together with a sense of renewed camaraderie. Johar, who performed the traditional clap for the first shot, was seen greeting Kartik warmly and posing for group photos, symbolising a clean slate and new professional chapter.
Industry watchers believe this also marks Johar’s strategic expansion into mass commercial cinema with a mythological fantasy twist — something that aligns with Pan-India cinema trends. Meanwhile, Kartik is expected to take forward his star persona into a more action-heavy and transformation-driven role.
Introducing the Story World of Naagzilla
While major plot details remain under wraps, Naagzilla reportedly revolves around an ancient serpent lineage and a mythic curse tied to a powerful guardian within a modern setting. The film will blend supernatural elements, temple lore, and epic-scale battles, supported by extensive VFX and stylised action choreography.
The production team is said to be working with top VFX houses, believing that the visual identity of the film will be key in distinguishing it from previous serpent universe stories in Indian cinema — especially popular “naaginverse” television adaptations.
Cast, Crew and Music
The film will be directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, known for balancing commercial storytelling with genre-based narratives. Music will play a central thematic role in the film, with emphasis on mystic orchestral elements and dramatic sound design. The rest of the cast is expected to be revealed in phases, with insiders hinting at a leading lady announcement soon.
Kartik Aaryan shared visuals from the ceremony, holding the film’s clapperboard and expressing excitement for “a story unlike anything I’ve done before.” Fans flooded the post with anticipation, calling the film a “mass comeback moment.”
Social Media Buzz: From Memes to Hype
As soon as shots from the muhurat went viral, social media split into two entertaining moods — excitement and meme culture. While fans cheered Kartik’s first-ever full-fledged fantasy role, meme pages instantly reacted to the film’s title, comparing it with pop-cultural serpent characters, superhero universes and dramatic TV transformations.
However, early fan sentiment suggests curiosity is strong — especially regarding worldbuilding, scale and Kartik’s character design. Trade analysts say the film has already generated pre-release conversation, which is crucial for high-budget films.
Conclusion
Naagzilla is shaping up to be a high-stakes theatrical release that attempts to merge myth, spectacle and modern Bollywood star power. With Kartik Aaryan stepping into a fantasy-action avatar and Karan Johar backing the project, the film will be closely watched — both for its storytelling potential and the industry dynamics it represents.