After the success of Chandu Champion, Kartik Aaryan is gearing up to collaborate once again with filmmaker Kabir Khan for an upcoming sports drama. The film, inspired by the life of Tajamul Islam, India’s youngest kickboxing world champion, will see Aaryan in the role of a kickboxing coach. While the official announcement is still awaited, it has been revealed that Sreeleela, who is currently working with Aaryan on the third installment of the Aashiqui franchise, is in talks to join the film.
Sources close to the development have shared that Sreeleela is a top contender for the female lead role. Though her part is expected to be limited, the character’s importance is undeniable. Her role will primarily feature in flashbacks and is crucial to the coach’s journey and emotional arc, making it pivotal in the narrative. The chemistry between Aaryan and Sreeleela has been one of the main factors in their potential pairing, and the filmmakers are keen on casting a fresh face to complement Aaryan’s performance.
The movie is inspired by Tajamul Islam, a symbol of resilience and determination. Born in Bandipora, North Kashmir, Islam became the youngest kickboxing world champion at the age of seven, despite coming from a region marked by socio-political unrest. The film will chronicle her journey, portraying her fight to reach the global stage amid adversity.
Kartik Aaryan has been undergoing rigorous physical training for the role, which demands both a physical transformation and the ability to convey deep emotional layers. His character, a mentor to a young Kashmiri girl, will guide her through the challenges of becoming a champion, showing resilience in the face of Kashmir's conflict.
The second schedule of the film is set to begin in March, with the team planning extensive shoots in Srinagar and Pahalgam. With the film’s production expected to wrap by October 2026, a theatrical release is slated for 2027. The collaboration between Aaryan and Kabir Khan promises to offer a poignant, socio-politically aware story, with sport as a central theme and the backdrop of Kashmir’s complex socio-political landscape.
