Salman Khan in talks with Mahesh Narayanan for high-octane action thriller?

Salman Khan is currently in the midst of preparing to shoot a military drama with filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia, but he isn't stopping there. Filmmakers like Rajkumar Periasamy, Anees Bazmee, Ali Abbas Zafar, and Kabir Khan have been planning to collaborate with him. Mahesh Narayanan, a director from Malayalam, has now joined this expanding list.

Salman Khan and Mahesh Narayanan brainstorm action thriller

As per Peeping Moon, reportedly, Salman and Narayanan, the director of critically acclaimed Malayalam features like Take Off, CU Soon, and Malik, recently met in Mumbai to plot a massive action thriller. While insiders say the meeting was more of a brainstorming session than anything else, the superstar is reportedly interested in the idea and will reportedly hear a thorough script narration in the following months.

Along with her husband, Atul Agnihotri, and their production company, Reel Life Productions, Salman's sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri is developing the concept. If the partnership is finalised, it will mark Narayanan's first time directing a Hindi film. The Hindi features Phir Kabhi and Traffic both featured his editing talents.

Mahesh Narayanan eyes a commercial shift with action project

Compared to his previous work, Narayanan's planned feature has a more commercial bent, according to those close to the process. Reports have it, the filmmaker is leaving his comfort zone for this action-orientated project that aims to appeal to a wider audience, despite his reputation for grounded storytelling and critical praise in Malayalam cinema.

This possible partnership is happening while Narayanan is busy directing his most ambitious Malayalam film to date, MMMN, a political thriller that stars Mohanlal and Mammootty. The two Malayalam superstars are finally sharing screen time after a 16-year hiatus. Nayanthara, Revathy, and Fahadh Faasil all play important roles in the film.

Catch Salman Khan in action-packed and heartfelt roles in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Antim, Radhe, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo—now streaming on OTTplay Premium!

Salman Khan’s Galwan war drama begins shooting in July

And in July, Salman will reportedly start shooting the war drama from Lakhia that is based on the clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020 but has no title yet. He portrays the martyred 16 Bihar Regiment commander, Colonel B. Santosh Babu. Writers Suresh Nair, Chintan Gandhi, and Chintan Shah are adapting a section of "India's Most Fearless 3" into a screenplay. Final production is targeted for November, with an anticipated theatrical release in the first half of 2026.

Once the Galwan project is finished, the film starring Narayanan is expected to go on floors either at the end of this year or early next year.