Dharma Productions, the banner helmed by filmmaker Karan Johar, is set to mark its debut in the Gujarati film industry with 'Jindagi Once More', co-produced with Vaartakaar Films and slated for release on 19 June 2026. The announcement signals one of Bollywood's most prominent production houses making a formal, strategic entry into regional cinema.

About the Film

Produced by Vaasu Dholakia and directed by Jaymin — in his directorial debut — 'Jindagi Once More' stars veteran actor Siddharth Randeria in the lead role, with actress Aarti Patel joining the cast in a significant part. The screenplay is written by Deep Dholakia, who also makes his on-screen acting debut in the film alongside newcomer Jahanvi Dhakan.

At its heart, the film explores a father-son relationship, centring on the rarely examined question of who a father truly was before his children were born — a theme that producers describe as emotionally resonant and universally relatable. The release is timed to coincide with Father's Day weekend 2026, lending the film added cultural context.

What Dharma Productions Said

Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, articulated the studio's rationale for the regional expansion. “At Dharma, we have always believed that great stories know no linguistic boundaries. The Gujarati film industry is currently witnessing a phenomenal creative renaissance, backed by a deeply passionate and loyal audience. Our decision to enter this vibrant market with Jindagi Once More stems from our desire to support high-concept, culturally rooted narratives that resonate universally,” he said.

The Producer's Perspective

Producer Vaasu Dholakia framed the collaboration as a landmark moment for Gujarati cinema. “Dharma Productions' entry into this space is a very big achievement for the entire Gujarati film industry. It validates the incredible narrative potential and commercial viability of our cinema. By blending the unmatched experience of Siddharth Randeria with a highly motivated team of debutant filmmakers, we have crafted a film that will set a new benchmark,” he stated.

Why This Move Matters

Dharma Productions' foray into Gujarati cinema is part of a broader trend of mainstream Hindi film studios recognising the commercial and creative potential of regional markets. The Gujarati film industry has seen growing audience engagement in recent years, with films rooted in local culture finding both critical appreciation and box-office traction. Notably, this marks the first time Dharma has formally co-produced a Gujarati-language film, making it a significant milestone for the industry.

With a debutant director, fresh faces, and a seasoned lead in Siddharth Randeria, 'Jindagi Once More' will be closely watched as a test of whether big-banner backing can amplify Gujarati cinema's reach beyond its traditional audience base.