Sreeleela to star with Kartik Aaryan in Kabir Khan sports film? Here's all we know
India Today
Kartik Aaryan is set to play a kickboxing coach in Kabir Khan's upcoming film inspired by Tajamul Islam. The film highlights resilience amid Kashmir's conflict and aims for a 2027 release.
After Chandu Champion, Kartik Aaryan is all set to reunite with filmmaker Kabir Khan for his upcoming sports drama. His Aashiqui co-star Sreeleela is emerging as a strong contender to star in the film, sources tell India Today.
A source close to the development shares, “Kartik Aaryan has been locked in to play a kickboxing coach in Kabir Khan’s next. Sreeleela, who is currently working with Kartik in the third film in the Aashiqui franchise, is reportedly a top contender for the role. The duo share great on-screen chemistry. The female lead’s part is limited but pivotal, much like the women characters in Kabir Khan’s films. It will mostly be confined to flashbacks. However, it is important in addressing the coach’s intention and journey. Hence, Kabir is looking to cast a relatively fresh face who also shares good on-screen chemistry with Kartik. Talks are currently underway.”
While an official announcement is awaited, the potential pairing has already piqued interest, especially given that the two actors are collaborating on another high-profile romantic musical.
Kartik, meanwhile, has been undergoing rigorous physical preparation for the part. According to reports, the actor will portray a coach who mentors a young Kashmiri girl from a conflict-affected region, guiding her in her dream of making it to the championship. The role demands not only a physical transformation but also emotional depth, as the narrative traces 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. Hailing from Bandipora in North Kashmir, Tajamul clinched the global title at the age of seven, becoming a symbol of grit and aspiration. The film aims to chronicle her journey from a small town marked by socio-political unrest to the international sporting arena, spotlighting the personal and structural challenges she overcame.
The second schedule of the film is expected to begin in March, with extensive shooting planned across Srinagar and Pahalgam, as per a Variety India report. The makers are aiming to wrap production by October 2026, with a theatrical release slated for 2027.
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