Kartik Aaryan stays with Karan Johar’s talent agency despite film setback, new projects move forward

• What happened: Kartik Aaryan has been confirmed to be continuing with Dharma Collab Artists Agency (DCAA) despite rumors of a split.
• Why it matters now: Speculation intensified after his recent release ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ underperformed at the box office.
• What changes for people: Fans can expect upcoming collaborations between Kartik and Dharma Productions to remain on track.
• Who is affected: Bollywood trade watchers, talent agencies, production houses and audiences following Kartik’s career trajectory.

Rumors put to rest: Kartik Aaryan still represented by Dharma-backed talent agency

Contrary to a wave of recent reports, Kartik Aaryan is continuing his professional partnership with Karan Johar-backed Dharma Collab Artists Agency. Industry sources indicate that earlier chatter about the actor parting ways with the agency was inaccurate, and that his ongoing projects remain unaffected.

The clarification follows questions that surfaced after Kartik’s December 2025 release ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ delivered lower-than-expected box office numbers. The film, featuring Ananya Panday, closed with an estimated Rs 50 crore domestic total, falling short of trade expectations.

Kartik’s DCAA association viewed as strategic

Kartik formally joined DCAA in November 2024, a move that industry analysts interpreted as a strategic step to strengthen his positioning among top-tier commercial talent. The agency manages a roster of prominent actors including Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, Lakshya Lalwani, Sonam Bajwa, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Rohit Saraf and Harshvardhan Rane.

Given the stature of the agency and the visibility it offers, rumors of an exit quickly drew attention within film circles. However, individuals familiar with talent management dynamics note that speculation often spikes during phases of film performance review, without reflecting contractual reality.

As of now, neither Kartik Aaryan nor DCAA has issued a formal public statement addressing the rumors. Trade publications have cited unnamed sources who maintain that Kartik’s status within the agency remains steady and unaltered by recent box office trends.

Dharma collaborations remain on track

Despite the recent film’s performance, trade sources report that Kartik’s planned collaborations with Dharma Productions continue as scheduled, suggesting that the talent-agency relationship is intact and future-focused.

Next up: Kartik in ‘Naagzilla’

Looking ahead, Kartik is set to headline Karan Johar’s creature-comedy ‘Naagzilla’, where he will play Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, described as an Ichadaari Naag. The character marks a genre shift for the actor, known primarily for contemporary romantic and comedy roles.

Reports indicate that Ravi Kishan may appear as the antagonist, though this casting detail has not yet been officially confirmed. ‘Naagzilla’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 14, 2026, positioning it as a holiday-season title.

Why this matters for readers

This development highlights how talent management influences casting, marketing, and career arcs in modern Bollywood. For audiences, it means Kartik continues to stay aligned with one of the industry’s most powerful creative ecosystems, shaping which films get made and how they reach viewers.