Filmmaker Kabir Khan is set to bring to the big screen the inspiring life story of Tajamul Islam, a young kickboxer from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district who rose to global prominence at a remarkably early age. Tajamul is the world’s youngest kickboxing champion and the first Kashmiri to win a sub-junior world championship, achieving the feat at just seven years old.
Khan is developing a film centred on the young athlete, whose journey from a conflict-affected region to the world stage has drawn widespread attention.“The film is likely to be shot in Srinagar and Pahalgam areas,” the member said.
Industry reports suggest that the project is part of a big-budget sports film backed by Applause Entertainment, reuniting Kabir Khan with actor Kartik Aaryan.
The duo had earlier collaborated on the award-winning sports drama Chandu Champion. In the upcoming film, Kartik Aaryan is expected to portray an athlete, with shooting scheduled to begin in February 2026.
According to reports, the Kabir Khan–Kartik Aaryan collaboration is being described as a “game-changing” sports-adventure film, set against the scenic yet challenging backdrop of Kashmir. The project is said to be one of its kind in the genre, featuring a high production budget and an extensive shooting schedule.
Sources indicate that Kartik Aaryan will undergo rigorous training and a significant physical transformation for the role, underlining the demanding nature of the film. The shoot is expected to span nearly nine months, from February to October 2026, with the makers eyeing a theatrical release in 2027.
Last month, Rising Kashmir had reported that Kabir Khan visited the valley for a recce in connection with a major upcoming project and had finalised key locations for shooting in Kashmir.
Khan is known for his strong association with the region and his fondness for Kashmir’s cuisine and natural landscapes. Apart from professional commitments, he makes it a point to visit the valley at least once a year to experience its food and scenic beauty.
The filmmaker has previously shot several major projects in Kashmir, including Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Phantom and Chandu Champion. Large portions of Bajrangi Bhaijaan were filmed in Pahalgam and Sonamarg, with actor Salman Khan’s visit during the shoot receiving a warm response from locals.
Tourism stakeholders in the valley have welcomed the proposed project, viewing it as a potential boost for Kashmir’s tourism sector and hoping it will once again showcase the region’s landscapes to a global audience.
