Filmmaker Karan Johar is reportedly gearing up to return to the director’s chair with a large-scale family drama that many say channels the emotional sweep and starry ensemble of his 2001 hit Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham — though Dharma Productions and Johar have not made any official announcements.
What we know so far
- Script locked: Reports say Johar has finalised the script for his next film and plans to begin pre-production by mid-2026.
- Production window: Principal photography is being targeted for late 2026.
- Film type: Described as a high-energy family drama with a strong romantic and emotional core — a return to the genre Johar is best known for.
- Ensemble cast: The project is said to have two male leads and two female leads, with casting talks expected to start soon.
- Scale: Industry chatter suggests it could be one of the biggest films Dharma has planned in recent years.
What insiders are saying
A source told Pinkvilla, “After hitting the bullseye with a romantic family comedy in the form of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Karan is returning to the family drama space with his next. Buzz is, it would be his biggest scale film till date, and Karan has brought in the New Year by locking the script of his next.”
Why comparisons to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (K3G) are coming up
The new project’s reported scale and ensemble approach have prompted many to nickname it informally as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham 2 or “K3G2.” The original 2001 film — starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan — remains one of Bollywood’s definitive family dramas, known for its melodrama, star cast and emotional family themes. While sources point to similar emotional and narrative beats, there’s no confirmation that the new film will be a direct sequel.
Casting buzz: big names expected?
Reports indicate the film will feature four leads — two men and two women — which fits Johar’s fondness for ensemble stories. Casting discussions are said to be in the early stages, and names have not been locked. Given Dharma’s recent casting choices and Johar’s history of bringing big stars together, speculation is likely to grow quickly as pre-production gets underway.
Timeline and what to watch for
- Mid-2026: Pre-production reportedly begins — this is when casting and other key decisions usually surface.
- Late 2026: Tentative start for principal photography.
- Announcements: Expect official word from Karan Johar or Dharma Productions once casting and a title are finalised.
Industry and audience reaction
The buzz has sparked excitement among fans and trade analysts. After the success of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, audiences are eager to see Johar back with another big family drama that mixes romance, emotion and spectacle. Trade observers will be watching closely for the cast and whether the film echoes the nostalgic tone of K3G or charts a fresh course.
What remains unconfirmed
At present, there is no official confirmation on the title, cast, or whether the film is an actual sequel to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Until Dharma Productions releases a statement or Johar himself speaks about the project, details remain speculative.
For now, fans can look forward to casting news and a formal announcement as pre-production approaches next year. If the rumours are true, this could be one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases in the coming years.