John Abraham, known for his action-packed roles, is reportedly planning a bold cinematic move—bringing the Mahabharata to life in a modern-day adaptation. According to Pinkvilla, the actor is in advanced talks with Tehran director Arun Gopalan for an ambitious project that reimagines the epic saga in a contemporary setting.
Sources reveal that the film is tentatively titled “Duryodhana”, and aims to offer a fresh perspective on the timeless tale. “John Abraham has been discussing a film set against the backdrop of the Mahabharata but reinterpreted in today’s era. Arun Gopalan has developed a gripping screenplay, and John is highly impressed with the narrative and the director’s vision,” said an insider.
The project is expected to go on floors by June 2026, with pre-production beginning in early 2026. It will be jointly produced by John Abraham and Sandeep Leyzell under John’s production banner. This aligns with John’s recent focus on high-concept action films that offer fresh, thought-provoking content to the audience.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
John Abraham was last seen in Tehran, a geopolitical thriller produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. The film, also starring Manushi Chhillar, tackled complex themes involving global powers like Russia, Ukraine, China, and Iran, with John calling it a “gripping” and “stunning” cinematic experience.
Looking ahead, John’s slate includes Rohit Shetty’s biopic on Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, the superhero film Munkeeman, a potential spin-off of Pathaan centered around his villainous character Jim, and Garam Masala 2. Additionally, he is reportedly reviving his Force franchise for a third installment.
With “Duryodhana,” John Abraham seems poised to push creative boundaries, blending mythology with modern themes in what could be one of his most ambitious projects yet.
