Kartik Aaryan and Ravi Kishan star in the VFX-heavy comic caper Naagzilla. Directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, the film's 2026 release is delayed to ensure high-quality post-production and effects.

Last Updated: 02.27 PM, Jan 11, 2026
With the casting of its main antagonist, the production of the much-anticipated 2026 film Naagzilla has achieved a new milestone. A new report suggests that Ravi Kishan would be joining Kartik Aaryan as the antagonist in this film. This news comes after rumours surfaced that the film's theatrical launch, which was supposed to happen in the middle of the year, would be pushed back.
Aaryan plays a shapeshifting serpent in this next comic caper. The story supposedly revolves around the protagonist's struggle with his enemy. Rumour has it that the production team made a pivotal decision when they chose the antagonist.
The roping in of Aaryan and the villain in the story are both significant, as per a source who spoke about the casting decision to Bollywood Hungama. The makers saw that Kishan is the ideal choice. His roles in Laapataa Ladies (2024), Maamla Legal Hai (2024), and Son Of Sardaar 2 (2025) further solidified his reputation as a superb performer. The source also revealed that Kishan was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to portray a captivating and well-crafted character in this unique film.
"The scenes between Kartik Aaryan and Ravi Kishan are expected to be something to watch out for," the insider continued, highlighting the lead actors' chemistry and the tension between them.
With its initial release date of August 14, 2026, Naagzilla was formally announced last year with the intention of taking advantage of the Independence Day holiday weekend. The film is still in development, but its expected release date has shifted to later in the year. The substantial technical effort needed for the project is the main reason for this change.
One insider informed the entertainment portal, "The shoot is expected to be wrapped up in a few months. Moreover, this is a film with heavy VFX. As a result, the post-production is going to take a lot of time. The makers of the film and lead actor Kartik Aaryan are very clear that they don’t want to rush through the process. They are aware that they have a special film in hand and want to nurture and fine-tune it properly before presenting it to the audience."
The acclaimed director of the Fukrey films, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, is helming the film. After Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, this is Karan Johar's and Kartik Aaryan's second collaborative effort.
The film's visual effects are high-stakes, and the industry will be watching it intently as it enters post-production.
Q: Who is the villain in Kartik Aaryan's film Naagzilla?
A: Ravi Kishan has been signed to play the primary antagonist in Naagzilla. The filmmakers chose him due to his strong recent performances in projects like Laapataa Ladies and Maamla Legal Hai, believing his intensity will provide a perfect foil to Kartik Aaryan’s character.
Q: What is the release date of the movie Naagzilla?
A: While Naagzilla was originally announced for an August 14, 2026 release to coincide with the Independence Day weekend, recent updates suggest a delay.
Q: What role is Kartik Aaryan playing in Naagzilla?
A: Kartik Aaryan stars as Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, a shape-shifting snake (ichadaari naag). Naagzilla is a creature-comedy that marks a significant departure from his usual romantic and thriller roles, featuring him in a unique, fantasy-driven avatar.