Even though Salman Khan has finalized Apoorva Lakhia’s war drama as his next project, he continues to explore potential collaborations with several other filmmakers. The Bollywood superstar has reportedly been talking to Kabir Khan, Ali Abbas Zafar, Anees Bazmee, and Rajkumar Periasamy. Now adding to this growing list, PeepingMoon.com has exclusively learned, is Malayalam filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan. He reportedly held talks with Salman in Mumbai for a large-scale action thriller.

While the discussions are still at a preliminary stage, Salman is believed to be intrigued by the story’s premise and has expressed interest in hearing a full script narration in the coming months. Salman's sister, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, is putting together this project and will produce it under her and husband Atul Agnihotri’s banner, Reel Life Productions. 

Best known for directing critically acclaimed Malayalam films like ‘Take Off,’ ‘CU Soon,’ and ‘Malik,’ Mahesh Narayanan is said to be venturing into more commercial territory with this Salman Khan project. Sources describe it as his most commercially oriented script to date. Salman hasn't given his nod yet, but should the project move forward, the makers plan to take it on floors towards the end of this year or early next year — after the actor wraps up filming Apoorva’s Galwan-based war drama. 

If it materializes, this film will mark the Malayalam filmmaker’s directorial debut in Hindi cinema after previously working as an editor on two films, ‘Phir Kabhi’ and ‘Traffic’. The director was previously supposed to venture into Bollywood with Junglee Pictures’ medical thriller, ‘Phantom Hospital,’ revolving around a real-life scam in India's healthcare system. However, it has been four years since the film was announced in 2021, and there hasn’t been any significant development, suggesting the project may have been shelved.

Meanwhile, Salman is set to commence shooting for Apoorva’s film on the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict in July. He plays Colonel B. Santosh Babu, who led the 16 Bihar Regiment during the clash and was martyred while confronting Chinese troops. Based on a chapter from the book ‘India’s Most Fearless 3,’ the film is expected to be finished by November, targeting a theatrical release in the first half of 2026. Suresh Nair, Chintan Gandhi, and Chintan Shah have written the script. 

Mahesh Narayanan, meanwhile, is currently shooting for his most ambitious Malayalam film yet, ‘MMMN’, starring Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal in their first joint collaboration in 16 years. Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, and Revathy also feature in this ensemble-cast political thriller.