https://www.filmfare.com/

Kartik Aaryan is adding another role to his growing filmography, this time from behind the camera. The actor has launched his own production banner, Dopamine Studios, and has come on board as a producer on his next collaboration with director Kabir Khan.

The yet-untitled film reunites the actor and filmmaker after 2024’s Chandu Champion, their biographical sports drama based on Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar. The film also marked a significant chapter in Aaryan’s career, with the actor recently winning the Best Actor honour at the 72nd National Film Awards for his performance after his big win at the 70th Filmfare Awards for the same.

Their next collaboration takes them into another sporting world. Aaryan will play a kickboxing coach whose life becomes intertwined with that of a young girl from Kashmir pursuing her ambitions in the sport. The story is inspired by the journey of Tajamul Islam, the Kashmiri kickboxer who rose to international prominence at a young age.

For the actor, the decision to produce the film appears to have come from his connection with the story itself. A source close to the project says the actor was drawn to the material from the moment he heard it and felt strongly about the journey at its centre.

“Kartik connected with the story at a very deep level from the moment he heard it. He was moved by the courage, passion and conviction at the heart of the real journey and felt it was a story that deserved to reach a wider audience. His decision to step into production came from that belief and his desire to support the film on a deeper creative level,” the source says.

Kartik Aaryan has also been training in kickboxing for the role. The film is currently being shot, with portions being filmed in Mumbai and Kashmir.

Further details about the film, including its title, the rest of the cast and release plans, are expected to be announced later.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan Donates Rs 1 Crore for Assam Flood Relief, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Thanks Him