Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan is reuniting with director Kabir Khan for another sports drama, following their critically acclaimed collaboration on Chandu Champion. The actor will play a kickboxing coach in the yet-untitled film, which draws inspiration from the remarkable true story of Tajamul Islam, India’s youngest kickboxing world champion.
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Project Details and Production Information
The film centers on Kartik’s character as a coach who guides a young Kashmiri girl from a conflict-affected region to championship glory. Shooting has already commenced in Kashmir, with Kartik completing his first schedule and set to resume full-fledged filming in March 2026. The production is expected to wrap by October 2026, targeting a theatrical release in mid-2027.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Untitled (working title TBA) |
| Director | Kabir Khan |
| Lead Actor | Kartik Aaryan (kickboxing coach) |
| Second Lead | Young Kashmiri actress (not finalized) |
| Producer | Sameer Nair’s Applause Entertainment |
| Genre | Sports drama / Inspirational biography |
| Subject | Based on life of Tajamul Islam |
| Primary Filming Locations | Srinagar, Pahalgam, Kashmir |
| Filming Timeline | First schedule: February-March 2026 |
| Expected Wrap | October 2026 |
| Theatrical Release | Mid-2027 |
| Budget | Substantial production value |
Tajamul Islam: The Real-Life Champion
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tajamul Islam |
| Achievement | India’s youngest kickboxing world champion |
| Historic First | First Kashmiri to win sub-junior world championship |
| Championship Age | 7 years old (2016 World Kickboxing Championship, Italy) |
| Birthplace | Bandipora district, North Kashmir |
| Current Role | Founder of Haider Sports Academy (700+ students) |
| Recognition | Jammu & Kashmir State Award recipient |
| Government Role | Brand ambassador for ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ |
| Famous Quote | “No one is small. It’s their thinking that’s small.” |
Kartik’s Preparation and Performance Training
Kartik has undergone intense physical training to authentically portray a kickboxing coach. Sources indicate he is learning the sport from global experts who will remain involved throughout production to ensure authenticity. His commitment mirrors his previous dedication to Chandu Champion, where he trained for 14 months in boxing, wrestling, and swimming while losing 20 kilograms.
For this project, Kabir Khan has engaged a global kickboxing expert to work with Kartik from the beginning, ensuring the coach character’s credibility and authentic movement vocabulary. This approach aligns with Khan’s philosophy of meticulous preparation seen in Chandu Champion.
Kabir Khan’s Real-Life Story Focus
Director Kabir Khan has established himself as a storyteller drawn to real-life narratives. His filmography reflects this commitment: Ek Tha Tiger (action thriller), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (cross-border drama), Chandu Champion (Paralympics biography), and The Forgotten Army (historical drama). His latest project marks his second consecutive real-life-based film following Chandu Champion’s critical success.
Khan’s approach centers on exploring human resilience, determination, and triumph against odds—themes evident across his diverse filmography. The Tajamul Islam story provides rich material exploring identity, regional pride, gender empowerment, and perseverance within Kashmir’s complex socio-political context.
Kartik’s Parallel Projects and Career Trajectory
Following this Kashmir project, Kartik will star in Shimit Amin’s Captain India, based on Operation Rahat—one of India’s most successful civilian evacuation missions. He currently shoots Dharma Productions’ Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand and maintains projects including Anurag Basu’s musical romance with Sreeleela, expected for theatrical release later in 2026.
Kartik’s deliberate selection of character-driven, unconventional roles demonstrates his evolved career strategy, moving beyond romantic comedies toward substantive, transformative performances.
FAQs
When will Kartik Aaryan’s kickboxing coach film release?
The film is targeting a mid-2027 theatrical release, with production scheduled to wrap by October 2026. Filming commenced in February 2026 and will resume full-scale in March 2026.
Who is the film based on?
The film draws inspiration from Tajamul Islam, India’s youngest kickboxing world champion who achieved the title at age seven in 2016. She is from North Kashmir’s Bandipora district and founded the Haider Sports Academy with 700+ students.
Is this Kartik and Kabir Khan’s first collaboration?
No, Kartik and Kabir previously collaborated on Chandu Champion, a critically acclaimed sports biopic on India’s first Paralympics gold medalist Murlikant Petkar, released in June 2024.
Where will the film be shot?
The film will be primarily shot in Kashmir, with major locations including Srinagar and Pahalgam. Shooting is expected to continue for approximately three months during the primary shooting schedule.
Is Kartik undergoing special training for this role?
Yes, Kartik is training in kickboxing under global experts who will remain involved throughout production to ensure authenticity and proper movement vocabulary for his coach character.
