Salman Khan To Play Karna In Farhan Akhtar’s Next: Director, Story, Cast And Everything We Know

Salman Khan appears to be lining up another large-scale theatrical project, this time in the world of Indian mythology. The actor is reportedly set to play Karna, one of the central figures of the Mahabharata, in a two-part film being developed by filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Excel Entertainment.

The project first came to light in June, when Pinkvilla reported that Salman was in discussions with Farhan Akhtar and Excel Entertainment for a period action drama. The report did not name the character or director, and described the film only as a story based on a celebrated figure from Indian history.

However, there has still been no formal announcement from Salman Khan, Excel Entertainment or Mehra.

Salman Khan Is Reportedly Playing Karna

The Times of India later reported that Salman is set to play Karna, adding that the film is being prepared for a potential August 2027 start.

The project is being planned as a two-part epic, and substantial preparation is required before production begins.

The timeline is significant given Salman’s existing commitments. His film with Telugu filmmaker Vamshi Paidipally, co-starring Nayanthara, is already in production and is scheduled for an Eid 2027 release. He is also expected to work with Raj and DK on an untitled superhero film.

That makes Karna a project that sits further down Salman’s current production pipeline rather than an immediate release.

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What Is Salman Khan’s Karna About?

Unlike a conventional historical drama, Karna is a mythological film based on the Mahabharata. Mehra has been developing the project for several years and has spoken about spending significant time understanding Vyasa’s Mahabharata before writing his adaptation.

In an interview with Galatta Plus, Mehra described Vyasa’s Mahabharata as a deeply dramatic work and Karna as a tragic, complex figure. He said the film will be told in two parts, with the screenplay already completed. He also revealed that AR Rahman has composed five or six songs for the project.

Mehra has also spoken about interpreting Karna beyond the conventional description of him as “Suryaputra”, focusing instead on the character’s difficult circumstances, social exclusion and the contradictions surrounding his life. Those themes are expected to form an important part of the filmmaker’s interpretation of the character.

The detailed storyline of Mehra’s adaptation has not been officially disclosed.

When Will Karna Release?

The latest reports point to August 2027 as the target to begin filming.

That date should not be confused with a release date. No theatrical release date has been announced, and the production schedule could change as the film moves through casting and pre-production.

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What We Know About Karna?

Salman Khan is reportedly stepping into the role of Karna in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s two-part epic. With the screenplay ready and AR Rahman already on board for the music, the film is now awaiting its next major production update. Would you like to see Salman Khan take on the role of Karna in a full-scale Mahabharata adaptation?

FAQs

Q1. Is Salman Khan collaborating with Farhan Akhtar?

A1. Yes. Salman is reportedly collaborating with Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment on Karna. 

Q2. Who is directing Karna?

A2. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is reportedly directing the film, with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment producing it. 

Q3. When will Salman Khan’s Karna release?

A3. A release date has not been announced. The film is reportedly scheduled to begin shooting in August 2027.