Sreeleela to act with Kartik Aryan in Kabir Khan’s sports film? Here’s everything we know
Kartik Aaryan is set to play the role of a kickboxing coach in Kabir Khan’s upcoming film inspired by Tajamul Islam. The film highlights resilience amid the Kashmir conflict and is targeted to release in 2027.
after Chandu ChampionKartik Aryan is all set to reunite with filmmaker Kabir Khan for his upcoming sports drama. His Aashiqui Sources tell India Today that co-star Sreeleela is emerging as a strong contender to star in the film.
A source close to the development shared, “Karthik Aryan has been roped in to play the role of a kickboxing coach in Kabir Khan’s next. Sreeleela, who is currently working with Kartik on his third film. Aashiqui The franchise is reportedly the top contender for the role. The on-screen chemistry of both is very good. The role of the lead female character is limited but important, just like the female characters in Kabir Khan’s films. This will mostly be limited to flashbacks. However, it is important to address the coach’s intentions and journey. Hence, Kabir is looking to cast a relatively new face who also has good on-screen chemistry with Kartik. Currently talks are going on.”
❮❯
Although an official announcement is awaited, the potential pairing has already garnered interest, especially considering that the two artists are collaborating on another high-profile romantic musical.
Meanwhile, Kartik is undergoing rigorous physical preparation for the role. According to reports, the actor will play the role of a coach who guides a young Kashmiri girl from the conflict-affected region to her dream of making it to the championship. The role demands not only physical transformation, but also emotional depth, as the narrative explores resilience in the face of adversity.
The yet-untitled film is inspired by the life of Tajamul Islam, India’s youngest kickboxing world champion and the first Kashmiri to win a sub-junior world title. Tajamul, who hails from Bandipora in North Kashmir, won the global title at the age of seven and became a symbol of grit and aspiration. The film aims to narrate his journey from a small town battling socio-political unrest to the international sporting arena, highlighting the personal and structural challenges he has overcome.
The second schedule of the film is expected to begin in March, with extensive shooting planned in Srinagar and Pahalgam Variety India Report. Producers are aiming to complete production by October 2026, with a theatrical release planned for 2027.
The project also marks the second collaboration of Kartik and Kabir Khan. Known for blending real-life inspiration with socio-political textures, Kabir’s stories often place individual triumphs against larger national backdrops. Taking Kashmir as its canvas and sports as its engine, the upcoming film is set to balance scale with sensibility.