Aditya Roy Kapur Joins Karan Johar Horror Thriller

Karan Johar ropes in Aditya Roy Kapur for a unique, high-stakes horror thriller project.

Aditya Roy Kapur joins a horror thriller

Could the king of family dramas be the new master of the macabre?

Karan Johar is currently rewriting the Dharma Productions playbook. The man who defined Indian luxury romance is stepping into a darker, more visceral realm.

Following the buzz surrounding the Kartik Aaryan-led Nagzilla and a secret thriller with Sandeep Modi, Johar has now locked in Aditya Roy Kapur for an untitled horror-thriller. This isn’t just a one-off experiment; it is a calculated bet on a genre that is increasingly dominating the theatrical box office.

The Quick “Yes” and the May 2026 Vision 

Aditya Roy Kapur is no stranger to intensity. After receiving accolades for his “depth and sensitivity” in Anurag Basu’s Metro… In Dino, the actor reportedly didn’t hesitate when presented with this unique horror script. According to sources at Bollywood Hungama, the project is viewed with immense “bullishness” within the banner.

While the director’s identity is currently guarded like a state secret, the production timeline is set. The film is scheduled to go on floors in May 2026, with advanced discussions already underway for a female lead to match Kapur’s screen presence.

The Fantasy-Horror Training Ground 

Aditya’s transition into this dark space isn’t as sudden as it appears. Much of the groundwork is being laid by his work on the Netflix series Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom.

Despite persistent rumors that the project was shelved, filmmakers Krishna and DK clarified in June 2025 that rehearsals for high-octane outdoor action sequences were already in full swing.

The experience gained from Rakt Brahmand—a project of massive scale and fantasy elements—likely made Aditya the “first choice” for Johar’s horror venture. This new film will likely leverage that same grit, moving away from the “ensemble drama” comfort zone of his previous work.

Don’t Judge the Genre by the Banner 

Fans often assume that a Dharma horror film will be “polished” or “soft.” However, the current strategy suggests otherwise:

• The VFX-First Approach: The long lead time for a 2026 shoot suggests heavy technical preparation. This won’t be a simple jump-scare movie; it’s a creature-drama hybrid.
• The “Genre-Fluid” Star: While Kapur is often seen as a romantic lead, his recent choice of projects shows he is chasing technical complexity over traditional leading-man tropes.
• The Script’s Gravity: Reports suggest the script itself—not just the brand—is what convinced Aditya. In the modern theatrical landscape, the “unique concept” is now the biggest star in the room.

What Lies Ahead for Kapur:

• Rakt Brahmand Release: Anticipated to set the stage for his action/fantasy persona.
• Dharma Prep: Intensive workshops for the horror-thriller are expected to begin late 2025.
• The Mystery Lead: The announcement of the female co-star will likely signal the exact “tone” of the movie.

Karan Johar is clearly done with the status quo. By placing Aditya Roy Kapur at the center of this new horror-thriller, Dharma is signaling a shift toward high-concept, high-risk cinema that aims to keep the audience looking over their shoulders—long after the credits roll.