Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan is all set to mesmerize audiences in a never-before-seen avatar as Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, an ichchadhari naag (shape-shifting serpent), in the upcoming fantasy comedy Naagzilla. Directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and produced jointly by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films, the film is slated to hit cinemas on August 14, 2026, perfectly timed with the Independence Day weekend and just ahead of the culturally significant festival of Nag Panchami.

A Unique Blend of Fantasy, Folklore, and Fun

Naagzilla promises to be a one-of-a-kind entertainer that combines elements of Indian mythology with humor and fantasy. The film explores the intriguing world of shape-shifting serpents, a popular motif in Indian folklore, but with a contemporary twist designed to appeal to modern audiences. Kartik Aaryan’s character, Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, is expected to bring both charm and wit to this supernatural role, marking a fresh departure from his earlier performances.

Star-Studded Production Backing

The film boasts a powerhouse production team including Karan Johar, Mahaveer Jain, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba himself, and Sujit Jain. This collaboration marks the first joint venture between Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films, signaling a high-profile project with significant backing and expectations.

Karan Johar, who shared the motion poster on social media, playfully teased the film’s concept: “Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh li, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar! #NaagZilla – Naag lok ka pehla kaand… Funnn phailaane aa raha hai – Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand… Naag Panchami par aapke nazdeeki Sssssinemas mein – 14 August 2026 ko!”

Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh leen, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar#𝐍𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐳𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 – 𝐍𝐚𝐚𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐤 𝐤𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐡𝐥𝐚 𝐤𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐝.
Funnn phailaane Aa raha hu main, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 …Naag Panchami par 🐍 aapke nazdeeki… pic.twitter.com/qRsDuycion
— Kartik Aaryan (@TheAaryanKartik) April 22, 2025

From Akshay Kumar to Kartik Aaryan

Interestingly, Akshay Kumar was initially approached for the lead role but declined due to his reservations about the snake-human conflict theme, having previously explored similar territory in films like Jaani Dushman. After Akshay’s exit, Kartik Aaryan enthusiastically embraced the project, seeing it as an exciting opportunity to explore supernatural elements, which have proven popular with audiences in recent times.

What to Expect

With Mrighdeep Singh Lamba at the helm—known for his success with films like Fukrey—Naagzilla is expected to blend horror-comedy with fantasy and folklore, delivering a film that is as entertaining as it is unique. Kartik Aaryan’s involvement adds to the buzz, especially following his recent hits and his upcoming projects, including a romantic musical with South star Sreeleela.

Release Date and Cultural Timing

Scheduled for release on August 14, 2026, Naagzilla will debut during the Independence Day weekend, a prime time for Bollywood releases, and just before Nag Panchami, a festival dedicated to serpent worship in India. This timing is expected to enhance the film’s cultural resonance and box office appeal.

In summary, Naagzilla is shaping up to be a fresh, fun, and fantastical addition to Bollywood’s lineup, with Kartik Aaryan’s transformation into an ichchadhari naag at its core. Backed by a stellar production team and directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, the film promises to deliver a unique blend of mythology, comedy, and supernatural thrills when it slithers into theatres on August 14, 2026.