Karan Johar is set to explore the horror thriller genre with his next production under the Dharma Productions banner. Aditya Roy Kapur has been signed as the lead. This marks a new direction for both the producer and the actor.
The film is expected to go on floors in May 2026 and reunites them after Ok Jaanu. Unlike their earlier collaboration, this project moves into unfamiliar territory. It signals a clear shift from their usual romantic space.
The timing of this change is important. In recent years, Dharma Productions films have struggled to deliver strong theatrical results. Several big and mid-budget releases have underperformed at the box office.
This has raised questions about whether Karan Johar’s traditional focus on romance and urban dramas still connects with audiences. Against this backdrop, the move towards genre cinema feels more like recalibration than risk.
The horror thriller is currently in casting and pre-production. It is being described as a pure horror film without comedy or creature elements. The aim is to focus only on atmosphere and storytelling.
Aditya Roy Kapur reportedly agreed to the project soon after hearing the script. This suggests confidence in the material. A leading female actor is in advanced talks, while the director is yet to be revealed.
Karan Johar is also backing genre films like Nagzilla and a creature thriller led by Kartik Aaryan. This points to a wider strategic shift across his production slate.
However, horror has delivered mixed results in Bollywood. The genre works only when content and execution are strong. Whether this film helps Dharma regain its footing remains uncertain.
The outcome will depend less on the genre choice and more on how fresh and convincing the final film feels. Audience patience with weak storytelling is limited. This project will test Dharma’s new direction.
