Salman Khan is no stranger to larger-than-life characters, but his next reported role could take him into completely new territory. The superstar is set to play Karna, one of the most complex and celebrated characters from the Mahabharata, in filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s ambitious upcoming film.
The project has been in development for several years and has gone through changes in its casting plans. Recent reports now indicate that Salman has come on board to headline the film, which is being backed by Excel Entertainment.
Unlike a conventional period drama, the project is being planned on a much larger scale. Reports describe Karna as a two-part epic, meaning the filmmakers are preparing for an extensive production journey rather than a quick standalone project.
The latest reports suggest that the film is expected to go on floors in August 2027, although the final schedule and other production details could change as preparations continue.
Why Karna Is Such a Significant Character
Karna remains one of the most layered figures in the Mahabharata. Born to Kunti before her marriage and later raised by a charioteer family, his life is shaped by questions of identity, loyalty, friendship, honour and destiny.
His relationship with Duryodhana, his rivalry with Arjuna and the circumstances surrounding his birth and death have made him one of the epic's most discussed characters.
For an actor like Salman Khan, the role would require more than simply carrying a warrior's appearance. The character has several emotional dimensions, from his determination to prove himself to his loyalty towards Duryodhana despite knowing the difficult circumstances surrounding his own identity.
That combination could make the project substantially different from the action-driven roles audiences have traditionally associated with Salman.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Salman Khan Join Hands for the First Time
Another major talking point is the collaboration itself.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has previously directed films such as Rang De Basanti and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, both of which combined strong characters with ambitious storytelling. His involvement gives the Karna project a distinctly different identity from a routine commercial mythology.
For Salman, this would also mark his first reported collaboration with Mehra.
According to reports, the filmmaker had earlier approached Salman with the script, and the actor responded positively to the project. Subsequent reports have now moved the casting discussion further, with Salman being described as locked for the titular role.
The makers are also expected to work extensively on the actor's look and physical appearance for the character. However, the exact details of his transformation have not been officially disclosed.
The Film Has Had a Long Journey Before Salman’s Entry
Interestingly, the Karna project is not entirely new.
The film had previously been associated with South Indian star Suriya and was discussed as a possible Bollywood debut vehicle for the actor. Reports later suggested that the project faced delays during its development, including concerns surrounding its large budget.
The project eventually resurfaced with Salman Khan being linked to the central role.
Earlier reports had described the film as a major period or mythological drama under Excel Entertainment. More recent reporting has provided greater clarity, identifying Salman as the lead and describing the film as a two-part epic based on the Mahabharata's Karna.
Mehra Will Work on Another Film Before Karna
Interestingly, audiences may have to wait a little longer before Mehra begins shooting the Salman Khan epic.
According to a recent Bollywood Hungama report, Mehra is planning to direct a short, approximately 30-day project starring Vikrant Massey before moving completely into the world of Karna. The smaller film is reportedly a small-town love story that Mehra has wanted to make for some time.
This also explains why the pre-production work on Karna can continue even while Mehra works on another project. Excel Entertainment and the technical team are reportedly continuing preparations for the larger epic during this period.
Salman Khan Has a Packed Line-Up
The Karna announcement comes at a busy stage in Salman Khan's career.
The actor is currently associated with several major projects, including the action film being directed by Vamshi Paidipally, with Nayanthara as the female lead. The project is currently known by the working title SVC63 and is expected to arrive around Eid 2027, according to current industry reports.
Salman is also associated with Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, the film that was earlier widely referred to as Battle of Galwan.
Adding Karna to that line-up makes the coming years particularly interesting for the superstar, especially because the Mehra directorial belongs to a completely different cinematic space.
More Details Are Still Under Wraps
Despite the latest reports about Salman playing Karna, several important details remain unknown.
The complete cast, final title, shooting locations, release date, visual design and other production details have yet to be officially announced. There has also been no detailed public statement explaining exactly how Mehra intends to approach Karna's story.
What is clearer at this stage is the scale of the ambition. The project has reportedly been in development for years, is planned as a two-part film and is being prepared for a 2027 production start.
If the project stays on its current course, Salman Khan's portrayal of Karna could become one of the most closely watched aspects of his upcoming filmography. For now, however, audiences will have to wait for the official announcement from the actor, director or production house before more details are confirmed.
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