Mumbai: One of the most talked-about Bollywood films of 2026, Naagzilla, continues to grab attention with fresh updates from its sets. After reports suggested that the film may not release on Independence Day as earlier planned, a new and exciting casting development has now come to light. Bollywood Hungama has also reported that actor and politician Ravi Kishan has been contracted to feature in the film as the primary antagonist to the Kartik Aaryan starring movie.
Ravi Kishan Steps In as the Villain
According to Bollywood Hungama, the creators of Naagzilla were eager to introduce a powerful actor as an opposite to Kartik Aaryan because the role of a villain plays a significant role in the plot. A source close to the project revealed that Ravi Kishan emerged as the perfect choice after careful consideration.
The source shared that both the hero and the antagonist hold equal weight in the narrative. Ravi Kishan’s recent performances in Laapataa Ladies and Mamla Legal Hai in 2024, followed by Son Of Sardaar 2 in 2025, convinced the team that he could bring depth and intensity to the role. It is said that the actor was delighted to be joining the board, particularly because the character is reported to be a well written character not any other variety of roles he has played in the past.
The source also reported that one of the biggest highlights of the movie would be the scenes between Kartik Aaryan and Ravi Kishan; these scenes are expected to deliver interesting confrontations and good screen chemistry.
Release Plans Shift Amid Heavy VFX Work
Naagzilla was announced last year and was originally scheduled to hit theatres on August 14, aiming to capitalise on the Independence Day weekend. However, as earlier reported by Bollywood Hungama, the film is now expected to release later this year.
The delay is linked to the film’s extensive visual effects work. Another source had earlier revealed that while the shoot is likely to be completed in a few months, the post-production phase will be lengthy due to heavy VFX requirements. The makers as well as Kartik Aaryan are reported to be not in a rush and opt to do quality and not speed. Their belief is that the movie has good potential and should be polished properly before it is spread to the audience.
About Naagzilla: Cast, Story and What We Know So Far
Naagzilla is a fantasy comedy directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, best known for the popular Fukrey franchise. The movie features Kartik Aaryan in the main role as a shape-shifting naag which is a much different character than what he is used to playing. The film will have a great hero-versus-villain dynamic now that the antagonist has been established as Ravi Kishan.
The project is backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films. It marks the first collaboration between Kartik Aaryan and Mahaveer Jain, as well as the first association between Mahaveer Jain and Karan Johar. To Kartik and Karan Johar, Naagzilla is the second joint venture they have been involved in since Tu Meri Main Tera Tu Meri.
A quirky concept, a good cast, a mixture of humour, fantasy and spectacle are shaping Naagzilla to be one of the most anticipated Bollywood movies on the release calendar. The entry of Ravi Kishan further increases expectations as the viewers are eager to witness this rare face-off on the big screen.
