Acclaimed filmmaker Karan Johar is set to return to the director’s chair in 2026 with a grand-scale family drama, a genre that has long defined his cinematic identity.
Known for creating emotionally rich and visually opulent films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, My Name Is Khan and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Johar’s comeback has already generated significant industry buzz.
According to a recent report, Johar has locked the script for his next directorial venture, marking a major step forward for the project.
Pre-production is expected to begin by mid-2026, with filming scheduled towards the end of the year. A source close to the development revealed that Johar “welcomed the New Year by finalising the script,” indicating that the project is firmly on track.
The upcoming film is described as a large-scale, emotionally driven family drama with a strong romantic core. It will reportedly feature two male and two female leads, with the casting process likely to begin in the coming months. Designed as a marquee theatrical release, the film is expected to be one of Dharma Productions’ most ambitious projects to date.
While no official title has been announced, industry speculation suggests the film is being informally referred to as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham 2 (K3G2).
Insiders clarify, however, that it may not be a direct sequel but will exist in the same emotional and thematic universe as the 2001 blockbuster, which starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan.
Johar has previously described Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham as a defining milestone in his career, recalling the surreal experience of directing Amitabh Bachchan at just 28 years old and collaborating with the late Lata Mangeshkar on the film’s iconic title track.
Despite the excitement, reports of a potential K3G-inspired project have sparked mixed reactions online. While fans are eager to see Johar return to his signature style, some netizens have expressed concern about revisiting a classic. With no official confirmation yet on the title or cast, anticipation around Johar’s eighth directorial continues to build.
