Sidharth Malhotra and Karan Johar reunion! Actor to trade stunts for soul in Sharan Sharma’s intense drama?
Sidharth Malhotra and Karan Johar reunite for a Sharan Sharma drama. Shifting from action to emotional roles, the 2026 project films in Mumbai this summer.
Last Updated: 12.28 PM, Mar 16, 2026
As per the latest reports, Sidharth Malhotra is nearing the end of negotiations to spearhead a new movie for Karan Johar's home banner, Dharma Productions. Released in early 2024, the action-thriller Yodha was the last theatrical collaboration between the actor and the production house.
Who is directing the project and what is the shift in genre?
A Mid Day report confirms that Sharan Sharma will direct the upcoming project. The filmmaker has a history of directing character-driven stories, with credits like the biographical drama Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) and the sports-based romantic drama Mr & Mrs Mahi (2024). Rather than concentrating on the high-octane action roles that Malhotra has been known for as of late, this new project would reportedly include an emotionally driven plot based around intricate human relationships.
Since his acting debut in Student of the Year (2012), the actor has been associated with Dharma Productions. Several successful films have come out of the collaboration since then, including the highly praised Shershaah (2021). In contrast to Malhotra's 2023–2025 foray into the digital and action genres (including Rohit Shetty's Indian Police Force), his latest partnership implies a return to the "intense drama" realm that characterised his early achievements.
How long has this collaboration been in the works?
The initiative has reportedly been planned for a while, according to sources familiar with the development. The insider informed the tabloid, "The studio is keen to collaborate with Sidharth again and feels that the subject suits his persona. He had liked the idea when it was shared with him last year. He gave a verbal go-ahead at the time and wanted to read the script before committing formally. Now, it’s in the last stages of conversation."
Sharma is reputed for taking screenplays very seriously and for getting complex performances out of his actors. Commercial appeal and realistic storytelling were hallmarks of his earlier work with Johar. It is believed that the filmmaker would stick to a similar aesthetic in his third feature, placing an emphasis on human conflict and dialogue rather than spectacle.
Why is this pivot seen as a smart strategic move for Sidharth Malhotra?
This decision appears to be a smart one for Malhotra, according to market watchers. A change toward a performance-orientated drama could strengthen his standing with urban viewers, following the inconsistent box office performance of numerous action-heavy films in the 2024–2025 cycle. The film is part of Dharma Productions' 2026 slate, which supposedly comprises both their bigger tentpole blockbusters and their mid-budget, high-concept dramas.
Reports have it that the script is now in its final draft, and pre-production has begun. If the ongoing negotiations proceed as planned, we anticipate that filming will commence in the summer of 2026. According to people close to the production, shooting will take place solely in Mumbai, which is fitting given the story's metropolitan setting and personal tone.