Salman Khan as Karna: Bhaijaan joins hands with Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment; fans say 'he's misfit, too old to play Karna'

Salman Khan is one of the busiest actors in Bollywood. At 60, the superstar continues to juggle multiple projects while ensuring he keeps entertaining his fans. Salman is currently shooting for Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, which is expected to release in the coming months.

Salman Khan gives nod to essay the role of Karna; backed by Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment

Amid ongoing chatter about the film's title change, his new look, and his commitments to Bigg Boss and other projects, fresh reports suggest that Salman Khan is in talks to play the titular role in director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's upcoming period drama Karna.

The film, backed by Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment, is planned as a two-part project based on the legendary Mahabharata warrior Karna.

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Salman was highly impressed with the script and has reportedly agreed in principle to come on board. If things fall into place, the film is expected to go on floors by mid-2027.

A source quoted by the publication said, "Salman is looking to sign on for big projects and believes that the film will do justice to his larger-than-life aura." The source further added that the actor is expected to undergo a complete physical transformation for the role.

However, no official announcement has been made by either Salman Khan, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra or Excel Entertainment.

The ambitious project has been in development for several years and was previously linked with multiple leading stars, including Tamil actor Suriya, though nothing materialised. If confirmed, Karna would mark Salman Khan's entry into the mythological epic genre and his first collaboration with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra as well as Excel Entertainment.

Interestingly, the development comes at a time when Excel Entertainment has been making headlines over the ongoing chatter and fan debates surrounding Ranveer Singh's Don 3. With Salman Khan now reportedly being considered for another mega-scale project under the same banner, fans have already begun drawing comparisons and sharing their opinions online.

Let's take a look at what netizens have to say.

One user wrote, "Salman sir is looking dashing in this avatar. If the script is written well, it will become a blockbuster. Salman, SRK, Aamir, Hrithik, Ranbir and Ranveer should work in Indian mythology films because they have the screen presence and physique to portray such characters."

Another user disagreed, saying, "As a true Salman Khan fan, I don't want him to do it because he won't do justice to that role. If they don't want Ranveer, they should go to Vicky Kaushal or some Telugu star."

A third user commented, "No way. He wouldn't be able to do justice to this role, especially at this age. It's next to impossible. If they really move ahead with Salman in this project, it could backfire badly."

Before potentially stepping into the world of Karna, Salman already has a packed slate ahead.

Work front

His next theatrical release is Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, which is reportedly eyeing an August 14, 2026 release.

He is also shooting for SVC63, an action entertainer directed by Vamshi Paidipally and produced by Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations. The film stars Nayanthara and is currently scheduled for an Eid 2027 release.

Apart from that, a Raj and DK-directed superhero comedy is also reportedly in development, making it clear that Salman Khan has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.