Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, long celebrated for its glossy family sagas and urbane love stories, has ventured into entirely uncharted territory with its latest cinematic offering — Naagzilla. This upcoming fantasy-comedy marks a striking departure from the studio’s traditional repertoire and has already taken social media by storm, thanks to its bold concept and the transformation of Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan into a mythological, shape-shifting serpent. Directed by Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, best known for helming the beloved Fukrey franchise, Naagzilla promises to be a thrilling ride through a world where ancient folklore meets contemporary spectacle. Slated to release on August 14, 2026, the film’s launch cleverly coincides with the festival of Naag Panchami — a sacred Hindu occasion dedicated to serpent worship — ensuring that the thematic timing resonates both culturally and spiritually with Indian audiences.

The buzz around Naagzilla skyrocketed when Karan Johar shared the motion poster on his Instagram handle. The striking visual shows Kartik Aaryan bare-chested, donning only a pair of distressed blue jeans, perched atop a mysterious snake-infested lair overlooking a sprawling urban skyline. What immediately catches the eye is the shimmering, scaly green texture running along his back — a clear sign that this is not just another brooding hero story. The tagline accompanying the post reads, “Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh li, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar!” — roughly translated as, “Seen too many movies about humans? Now get ready for a movie about snakes!” The caption goes on to introduce Kartik’s character, humorously named Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, as the central figure in “Naag Lok ka pehla kaand” — the first scandal of the serpent realm — and teases a release that’s “funnn phailaane aa raha hai” (coming to spread some fun). It’s a quirky, irreverent tone that instantly sets the film apart from more solemn or action-heavy fantasy films.

The premise is as intriguing as it is audacious. While rooted in Indian mythology — especially the rich traditions of Naag legends often depicted in epic tales and popular culture — Naagzilla takes a satirical, comedic route, reimagining these age-old motifs in a vibrant, modern-day setting. Instead of the usual dramatic gravitas that such stories often demand, this film seems to revel in absurdity, whimsy, and visual spectacle, creating what many online are calling a “mythological masala.” The juxtaposition of a supernatural snake hero navigating a contemporary cityscape, possibly battling evil or simply creating chaos, opens up numerous narrative possibilities, blending elements of fantasy, comedy, action, and even social commentary.

Unsurprisingly, the internet responded in kind — and with characteristic wit. Within hours of the announcement, memes began flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Many fans playfully dubbed the project “the Ektafication of Dharma,” referencing TV mogul Ektaa Kapoor’s long-standing fascination with supernatural dramas, especially her iconic Naagin series. The phrase humorously suggests that Karan Johar, a filmmaker historically synonymous with chic urban narratives, chiffon sarees, and K3G-style melodrama, is now dabbling in Kapoor’s territory — a world filled with reincarnated shape-shifters, cosmic curses, and serpentine vendettas. Yet beneath the tongue-in-cheek commentary, there’s genuine appreciation for Johar’s willingness to evolve and experiment. As the Hindi film industry continues to diversify in terms of genre and tone, this move reflects an awareness of the audience’s changing appetite — one that craves novelty, nostalgia, and the unexpected.

The casting of Kartik Aaryan is equally strategic and symbolic. Having carved a niche for himself as Bollywood’s quintessential charming rogue in romantic comedies, Aaryan has gradually been pushing the boundaries of his screen image. Whether it was dabbling in horror-comedy (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2) or stepping into darker, more intense roles, he’s shown a clear interest in reinvention. Naagzilla, however, is easily his most radical transformation to date. The initial visuals alone — muscular, serpentine, and slightly menacing — mark a departure from his usual playful persona. If the film successfully fleshes out this mystical alter ego, Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, it could serve as a major turning point in his career and broaden his appeal across demographics.

Director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, whose Fukrey films were lauded for their zany humor and slice-of-life eccentricities, brings a uniquely earthy voice to the project. His knack for blending absurd comedy with subtle cultural cues might prove to be a perfect fit for a story like Naagzilla, which seems to require both reverence for its mythological roots and a willingness to poke fun at their theatricality. Moreover, with Dharma backing the production, expectations are high that the visual effects — a crucial component of any supernatural film — will meet, if not exceed, industry standards. The creation of “Naag Lok,” hinted at in the teaser materials, could become a visually rich and immersive cinematic universe if done right.

The decision to release the film during Naag Panchami also seems astute from both a storytelling and marketing perspective. The festival, celebrated across India with great devotion, honors serpent deities and has long been associated with tales of cosmic justice, reincarnation, and divine retribution — all themes ripe for exploration in cinema. By tying the film’s launch to this sacred date, Naagzilla not only gains religious and cultural significance but also generates built-in anticipation, especially in smaller towns and among older audiences familiar with these legends.

As anticipation builds, many are wondering whether Naagzilla will simply be a high-budget, campy spectacle or whether it might surprise audiences by blending genuine mythological depth with cinematic innovation. Can Dharma walk the tightrope between satire and sincerity? Will the film become a cult hit like Stree, or will it stumble under the weight of its own ambition? Regardless of how it ultimately fares, the buzz it has already generated signals one thing clearly: Bollywood is no longer afraid to embrace the bizarre, the bold, and the beautifully mythical. With snakes, scandal, and supernatural sass slithering into the spotlight, Naagzilla might just redefine what a Dharma film looks like in this new era of Indian cinema.