Idrees Bukhtiyar
Srinagar, May 29: Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has wrapped up the third schedule of his upcoming untitled sports drama in Kashmir, with major portions of the film shot in Srinagar and Pahalgam.
A member of the production team confirmed to Rising Kashmir that several key scenes featuring the actor were filmed in downtown Srinagar and the picturesque landscapes of Pahalgam.
“In Srinagar, the shoot took place at Airport Road, the Indoor Stadium and the Zaina Kadal area while portions of the film were also shot in the Aru Valley of Pahalgam. The team has now completed the current schedule,” the crew member said.
Photos and videos accessed by Rising Kashmir show Kartik warmly interacting with children on the sets and posing for selfies and videos with fans, attracting large crowds during the shoot.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kabir Khan, the film is inspired by the life of Tajamul Islam, the young kickboxing sensation from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Tajamul gained international recognition at a very young age and became the world’s youngest kickboxing champion. She also made history as the first Kashmiri to win a sub-junior world championship at the age of seven.
Kartik is reportedly playing the role of Tajamul’s coach in the film. Sources said Kabir Khan has envisioned the project as a large-scale sports drama tracing the athlete’s remarkable journey from a conflict-affected region to the global stage.
The film marks another collaboration between Kabir Khan and Kartik Aaryan after their previous sports drama “Chandu Champion”, which also had portions shot in Kashmir. Backed by Applause Entertainment, the upcoming project is being described by insiders as an ambitious sports-adventure film set against the scenic backdrop of the Valley.
Sources further revealed that Kartik has undergone extensive physical training and transformation to prepare for the role. The film’s shooting schedule is expected to continue for nearly nine months, from February to October 2026, with the makers aiming for a theatrical release in 2027.
Earlier this year, the actor had completed two schedules of the film in Kashmir during March.
With its high production scale and extensive filming schedule, the project is being seen as one of the most ambitious sports dramas to be shot in Kashmir in recent years.