Karan Johar ropes in Rajkummar Rao for a big budget creature film? Actor receives highest-ever pay check

It looks like Karan Johar’s Dharma Movies is moving onfrom the genre of romances and patriotic dramas. The producer announced Naagzilla two months ago with Kartik Aaryan. Now, he is planning a big budget creature movie with Rajkummar Rao. The actor was part of Stree 2 that made Rs600 crores last year. His last film, Bhool Chuk Maaf also did well at the boxoffice. Now, he is awaiting the release of Maalik on July 12. Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar have teamed up for the film.

It seems Rajkummar Rao and Karan Johar’s film will start by end of 2025. He will be allotting bulk dates to complete it in a start-to-finish schedule. A source told Bollywood Hungama that this movie will be directed by Sandeep Modi. It will be a creature-based thriller and will be made on a big budget. Dharma Movies is planning to make a franchise out of the same. Modi has been part of web shows like Aarya and The Night Manager. The filmmaker has already started work on the pre-production of the movie. It seems shoot for the movie will start from November 2025.

“Rajkummar Rao has signed the film for an agreed sum of Rs. 12 crores, which is his biggest pay cheque to date. He is excited to partner with Karan Johar on the project.”

- A source told Bollywood Hungama

Like Maddock and Panorama Pictures, Dharma Movies too seem to be headed towards the franchise formula. Of late, we have seen the success of horror-comedy, thrillers and films rooted in India. Dharma is already making Naagzilla with Kartik Aaryan. The director is Mrighdeep Lamba of Fukrey fame. He is planning to release both these movies in 2026.