Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan is set to star in Naagzilla, an upcoming fantasy drama directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films. Scheduled for release on August 14, 2026, the film features Aaryan in the role of a mystical 'naag' (serpent), marking a departure from his usual romantic and comedic roles.

The announcement has sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some fans expressing excitement over Aaryan's new avatar, while others have humorously dubbed the project as the "Ektafication of Dharma," referencing the supernatural themes commonly associated with Ekta Kapoor's television productions. The term suggests a blending of traditional television tropes with mainstream cinema, indicating a shift in content strategy for Dharma Productions.

Naagzilla is part of a broader trend in Bollywood, where filmmakers are increasingly exploring mythological and fantasy genres. This trend includes upcoming films like Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor, and Mahavatar, directed by Amar Kaushik with Vicky Kaushal in the lead. These projects reflect a growing interest in Indian mythology and folklore, reimagined for contemporary audiences.

Kartik Aaryan's involvement in Naagzilla signifies his willingness to diversify his filmography and take on challenging roles. His portrayal of a shape-shifting serpent is anticipated to showcase a different facet of his acting capabilities. As the film's release date approaches, audiences are eager to see how this fusion of fantasy and mainstream cinema unfolds on the big screen.