Film and television producer Ektaa Kapoor has once again sparked curiosity around the origins of Naagin, revealing that the popular franchise was initially envisioned as a feature film, not a television series.
Without naming names, Ektaa recently hinted that a leading actress had agreed to star in the film but later moved to the United States, prompting a major shift in plans. The project was eventually reimagined as a TV show — a decision that went on to shape one of Indian television’s most successful franchises.
How the Naagin film idea began
Speaking to Usha Kakade Productions, Ektaa shared,
“I first wanted to make a film called Naagin. I had gone to two big stars with the story — one said yes, the other refused. The actress who said yes later went off to America. That’s when I decided to turn Naagin into a television show.”
While Ektaa did not identify the actors in the recent interaction, she had previously revealed the names in an older interview.
Priyanka Chopra said yes, Katrina Kaif declined
In an earlier conversation with Film Companion, Ektaa confirmed that Priyanka Chopra was the actress who had agreed to the project, while Katrina Kaif turned it down.
“After The Dirty Picture, I wanted to make Naagin as a film,” Ektaa recalled. “I went to Katrina and told her I wanted to do something path-breaking. When I said Naagin, she looked at me like I had smoked something really nice. She asked, ‘Are you serious? Will people watch something called Naagin today?’ Then I went to Priyanka — it was around the time she was moving abroad.”
Soon after, Priyanka Chopra relocated to the US to pursue international opportunities, and the film version of Naagin was shelved.
Naagin’s rise as a TV phenomenon
Although the movie never took off, Naagin found new life on television. The show premiered in 2015, with Mouni Roy in the lead, and quickly became a massive hit. Its blend of mythology, fantasy, and drama resonated strongly with audiences, leading to multiple seasons.
The franchise is currently running its seventh season, cementing its status as one of Indian TV’s longest-running and most recognisable fantasy series.
Is Naagin returning to the big screen?
According to a source quoted by India Today, Balaji Telefilms is now exploring the possibility of adapting Naagin into a feature film.
“Given the brand’s long-standing popularity and cinematic scale, the makers are exploring the possibility of reimagining the mythology for the big screen,” the source said, adding that discussions are still at an early stage.
Interest in the Naagin concept isn’t limited to Balaji. Producer Nikhil Dwivedi had earlier announced a separate Naagin film starring Shraddha Kapoor, though the project has yet to move forward.
Meanwhile, Karan Johar and Mahaveer Jain Films are developing Naagzilla, a fantasy comedy featuring Kartik Aaryan as a shape-shifting snake. The film is scheduled for release on August 14.
