New Delhi, Feb 27 (.) After the critical success of “Chandu Champion,” a biopic on India’s first Paralympics gold medallist, Murlikant Petkar’, Kabir Khan and Kartik Aaryan are teaming up again for another inspiring sports drama. Variety India has reported that Kartik will portray a kickboxing coach in their next collaboration, based on a remarkable true story.
Kartik has reportedly undergone rigorous physical training for the role. He will play a coach who guides a young Kashmiri girl to a championship, emerging from a conflict-affected region. Shooting is already underway in Kashmir, with Kartik completing his first schedule, and full-scale filming set to resume in March.
Most of the movie will be shot in Srinagar and Pahalgam, with a planned wrap by October 2026 and a theatrical release targeted for mid-2027. The film is produced by Sameer Nair’s Applause Entertainment, according to Variety India.
The untitled project is inspired by the life of Tajamul Islam, India’s youngest kickboxing world champion and the first Kashmiri to win a sub-junior world championship. Hailing from Bandipora in North Kashmir, she achieved this feat at just seven years old.
The film will showcase her journey, highlighting both her accomplishments and the challenges she overcame, while inspiring young people who face barriers but dream of excellence.
Kabir Khan, known for directing blockbusters like “Ek Tha Tiger” and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” has a strong affinity for real-life stories. His previous projects include “The Forgotten Army, Azaadi Ke Liye,” based on Indian soldiers allied with the Japanese army during the independence struggle.
His upcoming film with Kartik marks his second consecutive true-story project following “Chandu Champion.”
Meanwhile, Kartik has another real-life film in the pipeline. After completing Kabir Khan’s project, he will star in Shimit Amin’s “Captain India,” portraying a captain who led the evacuation mission during Operation Rahat, one of India’s most successful rescue operations.
According to Variety India, Kartik is also shooting for Dharma Productions’ “Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand” and will appear in Anurag Basu’s musical romance with Sreeleela, slated for release later this year. . MI .