Agencies | Mumbai:
Arhaan Khan, son of actor-producer Arbaaz Khan and actress Malaika Arora, is set to make his Bollywood debut with an action-romance, with superstar Salman Khan reportedly joining the project in a special cameo.
According to industry sources, details of the yet-untitled film are being kept under wraps. Salman is expected to play a small but significant role in the narrative, with his appearance adding star power to Arhaan’s debut. The actor is reportedly expected to shoot for around 10 days for the extended cameo.
The film will be directed by Anirudh Iyer, best known for helming An Action Hero (2022), which starred Ayushmann Khurrana and Jaideep Ahlawat. The project will be produced by Ashwin Varde, whose previous production credits include Kabir Singh, OMG 2, Khel Khel Mein and The Diplomat.
Arhaan has reportedly been preparing for his entry into cinema for several years. He studied filmmaking in the United States and subsequently worked with designer-filmmaker Vikram Phadnis. He also assisted Karan Johar on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
He currently hosts the YouTube podcast Dumb Biryani, through which he has developed a presence of his own beyond his family’s film background.
“Arhaan has been preparing himself for cinema for a while. When Ashwin Varde approached Arbaaz with this project to launch Arhaan on the big screen, it felt like the right film at the right time,” a source close to the development said.
The source added that Arhaan was pleased with the project and looking forward to making his debut as a leading actor.
The makers are currently in the process of casting the female lead and are reportedly looking for a fresh face to pair opposite Arhaan. The film is expected to begin shooting early next year, although the final schedule is yet to be locked as the production team works through the remaining logistical arrangements.
For Iyer, the project will mark his return to the director’s chair after An Action Hero. He was also earlier attached to an action-romance featuring Lakshya and Rasha Thadani, but that project was subsequently shelved.
Meanwhile, producer Ashwin Varde has another project in the pipeline—an untitled film featuring veteran comedian-actor Johnny Lever, to be directed by Farhad Samji.
With Arhaan’s debut now taking shape and Salman Khan reportedly attached to the project, the film is expected to attract considerable attention as it brings together a new generation of Bollywood talent with established industry names.
