'Naagzilla' actor Kartik Aaryan joins hands for Sandeep Modi's suspense thriller

After their earlier period action drama was shelved, Dharma Productions is once again joining forces with Kartik Aaryan and director Sandeep Modi for a new project.According to Bollywood Hungama, the team is reuniting for a new, high-concept action thriller that will begin filming early next year. Details of the project are currently under wraps, but the report describes the film as a distinctive thriller blending action, romance, and suspense. It will feature Kartik in a role markedly different from what he has played so far.“Karan Johar, Sandeep Modi and Kartik Aaryan have been discussing various projects after their patriotic action film couldn't materialize. They recently zeroed in on this story that will present Kartik in the most commercial yet distinctly different action avatar. Modi is currently putting the finishing touches on his script and will begin pre-production by the end of this year,” the report added.The upcoming project will be Kartik Aaryan’s third collaboration with Dharma Productions, after last year’s romantic comedy 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' and the upcoming fantasy comedy 'Naagzilla', which is scheduled to release around Valentine’s Day next year.For Sandeep Modi, the film will be his first Hindi theatrical directorial project. He previously made his directorial debut with the 2019 Marathi slice-of-life film 'Chumbak', starring Swanand Kirkire.Modi was earlier supposed to direct Kartik in a period action drama for Dharma Productions. Announced in November 2023, the film was expected to go on floors in 2024 and release during the Independence Day weekend in 2025. However, the project did not move ahead as the makers could not secure the life rights of the real-life person on whom Kartik’s character was based. The rising budget also reportedly made the film difficult for the production house to take forward.Meanwhile, Kartik has a busy lineup of films. He has completed shooting for Mrigdeep Singh Lamba’s 'Naagzilla', while Anurag Basu’s musical romance and Kabir Khan’s sports drama are currently in production. He is also set to begin Shimit Amin’s Captain India in September. Kartik is expected to start work on Sandeep Modi’s film after completing these commitments.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!