Kartik Aaryan is stepping into a new role. The actor is making his debut as a film producer with his next project, Ladaku, directed by Kabir Khan. The film officially has a release date: June 18, 2027. Ananya Birla‘s Birla Studios made the announcement on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, confirming a worldwide theatrical rollout. The project brings together the same team behind the 2024 National Award-winning film Chandu Champion, and it also introduces Aaryan’s production banner, Dopamine Studios, which he launched earlier this year.
The Big Announcement: What Birla Studios Said
Birla Studios shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) with a statement that laid out the key details. The production house called Aaryan and Kabir Khan a “National-award winning golden team” and described Ladaku as a “heart-tugging, inspiring film”.
“Ananya Birla’s Birla Studios announces June 18th as the theatrical release date of Kartik Aaryan starrer Ladaku, directed by Kabir Khan! The National-award winning golden team of Kartik Aaryan and Kabir Khan have joined hands with Birla Studios for this heart-tugging, inspiring film titled Ladaku.”
— Birla Studios, via X
The statement went further to confirm the production partners.
“Ladaku is produced by Birla Studios, Kabir Khan Entertainment and, also, marks the debut of Kartik Aaryan as a producer with Dopamine Studios. Ladaku narrates an extraordinary real-life story of ambition, grit and hope.”
— Birla Studios, via X
A Second Collaboration for Kartik Aaryan and Kabir Khan
Ladaku marks the second time Kartik Aaryan and Kabir Khan are working together. Their first film, Chandu Champion (2024), was a biographical sports drama based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. The film did moderate business at the box office, earning around ₹88 crore against a reported budget of ₹80 crore—but it earned strong critical praise and became a favourite on streaming after its theatrical run.
The bigger prize came at the 72nd National Film Awards, where Kartik Aaryan won his first National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Chandu Champion. He shared the honour with Malayalam screen legend Mammootty, who was recognised for his role in Bramayugam. The win turned the Aaryan-Khan pairing into a National Award-winning team, and Ladaku brings them back together under that banner.
What Is Ladaku About?
Plot details are still officially under wraps. The makers have described the film as “another emotional, family-entertainer” and a story about “ambition, grit and hope”. Multiple reports, however, point to a specific real-life inspiration.
Kartik Aaryan is said to play a kickboxing coach who mentors a young girl from Kashmir and helps her reach international success. The story is reportedly inspired by Tajamul Islam, a young athlete from Bandipora, Kashmir, who became a world kickboxing champion at the age of seven. Filming has taken place across Mumbai and Kashmir, and Aaryan has undergone kickboxing training for the part.
“Kartik was moved by the courage, passion and journey of the character and wanted to be a part of finding the right audience for the film. His decision to step into production came from his desire to support the film on a deeper creative level.”
— A source close to the actor, to Variety India
The film is being positioned in the same emotional space as Kabir Khan’s earlier work like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and 83—stories where main characters face hard circumstances and push through with determination.
Ramayana Part 1 Review: Yash Stands Out, Ranbir Kapoor Plays It Restrained, Sai Pallavi Brings Grace
Kartik Aaryan’s Producer Debut: Inside Dopamine Studios
Ladaku is not just another acting project for Kartik Aaryan. It is the first film under his production banner, Dopamine Studios, which he launched in August 2026. Reports at the time of the banner’s launch said Aaryan’s first production would be an untitled sports drama with Kabir Khan—the project that is now officially Ladaku.
The decision to produce came from a personal connection to the material. Aaryan was reportedly drawn to the story from the moment he heard it and was determined to back it through his new studio. The film is jointly backed by Birla Studios, Dopamine Studios, and Kabir Khan Entertainment.
Release Date and Global Rollout
Ladaku is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 18, 2027. The date was locked by Birla Studios on November 4, 2026, and the announcement confirms a global cinema rollout rather than a direct-to-streaming arrival. The film arrives just days before the third anniversary of Chandu Champion‘s release, creating a neat full-circle moment for the actor-director duo.
A Busy 2027 for Kartik Aaryan
Ladaku is one of three films Kartik Aaryan has lined up for the first half of 2027. The fantasy comedy Naagzilla is set for February 12, 2027, followed by an untitled Anurag Basu romantic drama with Sreeleela on April 30, 2027, and then Ladaku in June. Aaryan is also currently filming Captain India, directed by Shimit Amin of Chak De! India fame. That project is backed by T-Series‘ Bhushan Kumar, Baweja Studios, and Dopamine Studios, and it is also expected in 2027. Captain India is reportedly based on Operation Raahat, India’s 2015 evacuation mission.
Related Stories
Social Media Reaction: Excitement and Some Caution
The announcement drew a mix of responses online. Trade analyst Komal Nahta shared the release date news on X, writing that Ladaku “narrates an extraordinary real-life story of ambition, grit and hope”. Some comments on Instagram and X showed excitement about the Aaryan-Khan reunion and the National Award-winning pairing. Others urged caution about Aaryan having three releases in quick succession, with some social media users suggesting he should space out the dates to avoid audience fatigue. The conversation around the film remains active as more details about the cast and story are awaited.
Also Read: Kartik Aaryan to Lead Vivek Agnihotri’s Operation Sindoor: Cast, Story, Book and Release Details
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on Bollywood’s biggest production stories and release announcements.
Leave a Reply