The casting office of Dharma Productions has just dropped a bombshell that has set the Indian film trade abuzz. In an inspired move that promises high-octane drama, the versatile Ravi Kishan has officially signed on to play the primary antagonist in the highly anticipated creature-comedy Naagzilla.
Kishan, who is currently basking in the success of his recent regional and mainstream outings, will go head-to-head with Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan. This casting choice adds a layer of “mass” appeal to the film, pitting Aaryan’s youthful energy against Kishan’s seasoned, gritty screen presence.
In a major departure from his usual romantic and comedic roles, Kartik Aaryan takes on the role of a shape-shifting nag (serpent) in Naagzilla. The film reportedly blends folklore with modern-day spectacle, reimagining the “Ichhadhari Naag” mythos through a high-budget, VFX-heavy lens.
Ravi Kishan’s entry as the villain introduces a formidable threat to Aaryan’s supernatural protagonist. While the specific details of Kishan’s character remain under wraps, insiders suggest he plays a ruthless figure obsessed with capturing the mythical creature.
“Ravi Kishan brings a unique intensity to the table,” a source close to the production shared. “The face-off between a modern shape-shifter and a grounded, powerful antagonist like Ravi Kishan is what makes Naagzilla stand out from previous films in this genre.”
Steering this ambitious project is director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, the creative force behind the cult-favourite Fukrey franchise. Lamba’s involvement ensures that while Naagzilla features intense action and supernatural elements, it remains rooted in the quirky, observational humour that he is known for.
By blending the “creature feature” genre with comedy, Lamba aims to create a “smart-mass” entertainer. The film’s title itself suggests a scale comparable to international monster movies, yet the storytelling remains quintessentially Indian.
Naagzilla is backed by a formidable production alliance. Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions joins forces with Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films to mount this project on a massive scale. This partnership ensures that the film receives the best in terms of international VFX and a wide global release.
The collaboration marks a significant step for Dharma as it continues to diversify its content library, moving into the “supernatural-action” space which has seen a massive resurgence in Indian cinema recently.
While fans were eagerly marking their calendars for an August 14, 2026 release, the makers have issued a strategic update regarding the film’s debut. Due to the extensive post-production required for the film’s complex VFX and the addition of Ravi Kishan’s pivotal sequences, the release has been pushed.
Naagzilla is now expected to hit theaters later this year, likely eyeing a festive window in November or December 2026. The delay allows the technical team to polish the “serpent transformations” to ensure they meet global standards, avoiding the pitfalls of rushed CGI.
The shift in release date is also trending, as trade analysts speculate whether Naagzilla will now clash with other year-end blockbusters. This strategic move by Karan Johar suggests that Dharma is confident in the film’s ability to hold its own during the peak holiday season.
With the antagonist finally locked in, the production is moving into its final intensive schedule. Fans are now awaiting the first “look reveal” of Kartik Aaryan’s serpent avatar and the official teaser, which is rumoured to drop during the monsoon season.
As the industry prepares for a supernatural showdown, the pairing of Aaryan and Kishan promises a cinematic experience that is both novel and nostalgic.
