Bollywood and South Indian cinema fans have reason to get excited. Director PS Mithran has confirmed that Kareena Kapoor Khan and Dhanush are in advanced talks for a new Hindi film backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. This project would bring together two of the biggest names in Indian cinema for the very first time.
The director shared the news while promoting his upcoming Tamil film Sardar 2. He spoke to Cinema Vikatan about the much-discussed project. Mithran said talks are happening and dates are being looked at for confirmation.
“Talks are underway; we are looking at the dates for confirmation. Hopefully, something good will come out of it.”
What We Know About the Film So Far
The untitled project is reportedly a large-scale mythological adventure set in a jungle terrain. This would be a big departure from the usual romantic dramas and period pieces that Bhansali is known for. The film is still in the writing stage. According to Bollywood Hungama, the script has gone through several rewrites before being finalised.
If everything falls into place, pre-production is expected to begin in November 2026. The shoot would likely start in January 2027.
A First-Time Collaboration for Everyone Involved
This project marks several firsts in Indian cinema. It would be the first on-screen pairing of Dhanush and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Both actors have worked with many top stars but never with each other.
It would also be PS Mithran’s first Hindi film as a director. Mithran is known for Tamil films like Irumbu Thirai (2018), Hero (2019), and Sardar (2022). Moving to Bollywood with a Bhansali-backed project would be a big step for him.
For Kareena and Dhanush, this would be their first time working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Bhansali is one of the most respected filmmakers in India. He has directed classics like Devdas, Black, Padmaavat, and Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Kareena Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Past Fallout
This news is extra special because of the history between Kareena Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In the early 2000s, Bhansali approached Kareena for the lead role in Devdas (2002). She even did a screen test for the film.
But things did not work out. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was eventually cast as Paro opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Kareena was hurt by this decision. In a 2002 interview with Filmfare, she spoke about what happened.
“What he did to me was wrong. He screen-tested me for Devdas, gave me a signing amount, then took someone else. That was wrong, it hurt especially because I was at the start of my career.”
Bhansali had a different side to the story. He said Kareena came to his house with designer Neeta Lulla for the screen test. But he never confirmed that she would get the role. He told Filmfare in July 2002 that he felt Aishwarya Rai had the aristocratic looks he needed for Paro.
The disagreement created a rift between them. For over 20 years, they never worked together. Now, this new project could be the one that brings them back together.
What’s Next for Kareena Kapoor and Dhanush
Before this project can start, both actors have other films coming out.
Kareena Kapoor Khan will next be seen in Daayra. This investigative crime thriller is directed by Meghna Gulzar. It also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film is set to release in cinemas on September 18, 2026.
Dhanush is getting ready for Om – Chapter 1. This action thriller is directed by Rajkumar Periasamy. It will hit theatres globally on October 16, 2026.
Dhanush also had a big year at the 72nd National Film Awards. The awards were announced in July 2026. He won Best Tamil Film for his directorial Raayan. He also got a Special Mention for his performance in Captain Miller.
PS Mithran is currently busy with Sardar 2. The sequel to his 2022 action thriller stars Karthi in the lead role. The film also features Rajisha Vijayan, SJ Suryah, Malavika Mohanan, Ashika Ranganath, and Yogi Babu. Sardar 2 is scheduled to hit theatres on September 10, 2026.
Fans React to the Possible Collaboration
Social media has been buzzing since Mithran’s update. Fans from both Bollywood and South Indian film industries are excited about this possible pairing. Many have pointed out that this would be a dream project with three big names coming together.
The idea of Kareena and Bhansali ending their long-standing rift has also caught attention. Fans are hopeful that this project will finally bring them together on screen.
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No Official Confirmation Yet
It is important to note that nothing is official yet. Kareena Kapoor has not signed the project. No official statement has come from the production team or the actors. Mithran himself said the project is still in the discussion stage.
“There are discussions happening about the film. I hope something positive comes out of it.”
Fans will have to wait for an official announcement. But the fact that talks are happening is already big news for Indian cinema.
Also Read: The Buckingham Murders Teaser: Kareena Kapoor Khan Stars as Detective in Hansal Mehta’s thriller
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