Reports suggest that actress Pratibha Ranta has been approached to star opposite Kartik Aaryan in the upcoming fantasy drama Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand. The film, directed by Fukrey fame Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, is being produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films and is slated for release on August 14, 2026 — a day before Independence Day.
Pratibha Ranta to Co-Star with Kartik Aaryan
As per Bollywood Hungama, Pratibha Ranta — best known for her performance in the Oscar-nominated Laapataa Ladies — is being considered for the female lead. Earlier reports had suggested that Sanya Malhotra was the front-runner for the role, but recent developments indicate a shift in plans.
A source revealed, “Sanya Malhotra was the makers’ first choice, and everyone assumed she’d be finalized. But the team is now exploring other options and is seriously considering Pratibha. She already has a Maddock Films project lined up for early 2026. If schedules don’t clash, she’ll headline Naagzilla opposite Kartik. The makers feel she brings freshness and hasn’t been overexposed on screen yet.”
Kartik Aaryan Begins Shooting for Naagzilla
Kartik Aaryan recently confirmed the start of filming through a post on Instagram. Sharing a picture from the film’s muhurat day, he wrote,
“1 Year of #BhoolBhulaiyaa3. Day 1 of #Naagzilla. Har Har Mahadev. 14th August 2026.”
The post quickly drew attention online, with fans flooding the comments section to congratulate the actor and express excitement for the fantasy drama.
About Naagzilla
Described as a fantasy adventure rooted in Indian mythology, Naagzilla will see Kartik Aaryan playing an icchadhari naag — a shape-shifting serpent. In a teaser clip, the actor was seen standing inside a massive snake pit, looking toward a city skyline as his voice echoed in the background:
“Icchadhari naag. Roop badalne ki shakti rakhne wale saap. Jaise ki main. Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand. Umar 631 saal. Insanon wali picturein toh bohot dekh li, ab dekho naagon wali picture.”
(Translation: Shape-shifting serpents. Just like me. Age: 631 years. You’ve seen enough movies about humans, now watch a film about snakes.)
The fantasy film, which reportedly mixes mythology, action, and humour, is set to be one of Dharma Productions’ biggest releases in 2026.
Final Words:
If Pratibha Ranta officially joins Naagzilla, it’ll mark an exciting collaboration between two promising talents from different genres — Kartik Aaryan’s mainstream appeal meeting Pratibha’s fresh intensity. With a grand release planned for August 2026, Naagzilla is shaping up to be one of Bollywood’s most anticipated fantasy adventures.
