Mumbai: Karan Johar is clearly in the mood to explore new genres, and horror seems to be his next big focus. The filmmaker producer has already entered creature comedy with the Nagzilla headed by Kartik Aaryan and has already planned a creature thriller with director Sandeep Modi, but now, is preparing to make the full fledged horror thriller in his own banner, Dharma Productions.
Dharma has secured a good horror script and the project has already secured their male lead according to credible industry sources. The film has been announced to feature Aditya Roy Kapur as its lead and it will be the first time he collaborates with Karan Johar since Ok Jaanu. This time, though, it is all absolutely new ground, well away off romance and music.
Aditya Roy Kapur Comes On Board Quickly
A source close to the development revealed that Aditya Roy Kapur was immediately drawn to the script. He reportedly did not take much time to say yes once he heard the narration. The insider revealed that the movie is special due to its uncommon treatment and solid storytelling, and the Dharma Productions team believes in its successful theatric release, as the number of horror film enthusiasts is increasingly growing.
This movie is being marketed as a pure horror thriller which is a comparatively new territory to Dharma. The production house has over the years been associated with the romantic dramas, family entertainers and grand scale spectacle. This move signals a clear shift towards darker and more experimental storytelling.
Shoot Planned for May 2026, Female Lead in Talks
The horror thriller is expected to go on floors in May 2026. Pre production work has already begun, and the makers are currently finalising the rest of the cast. One of the best female actresses is reported to be under serious negotiations to play the lead girl against Aditya Roy Kapur, though nothing has been announced as yet.
Interestingly, the director’s name has been kept under wraps for now. As the film prep team is busy at work, Dharma is opting to disclose information bit by bit, which is another source of curiosity regarding the project.
With Nagzilla, a creature thriller with Kartik Aaryan, and now a pure horror film with Aditya Roy Kapur, Karan Johar seems determined to expand his cinematic universe beyond familiar genres. Provided all works out, this new horror thriller has the potential to be the new beginning of Dharma Productions and a fresh breeze within the movie career of Aditya Roy Kapur.
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