Karan Johar to direct 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt

Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. File pics/Shadab Khan and Satej Shinde

Filmmaker-producer Karan Johar is all set to return to the director's chair with the upcoming film, 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', starring actors Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. On the occasion of Ranveer's birthday on Tuesday, Karan shared the news on his social media handles. "Thrilled to get behind the lens with my favourite people in front of it. Presenting 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', headlined by none other than Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt," he wrote.

The movie, which will release in 2022, is written by Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan and Sumit Roy. Along with it, Karan Johar also unveiled the motion poster of 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'. Alia and Ranveer, too, shared the same news on their respective Instagram handles. "An exceptional love story with my favourite people," Alia wrote.

The birthday boy is extremely excited about the new film. "A special announcement on my special day! Presenting - Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani along with my dazzling supernova Alia Bhatt, directed by the genre himself, kaleidoscopic visionary Karan Johar, and written by Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan & Sumit Roy. Coming to charm you in 2022," Ranveer posted.

Karan Johar also revealed that the rest of the cast will be unveiled by 2 pm today. On his Twitter handle he wrote, "Yes, it's a love story, but no - it's not your regular love story. Rocky and Rani are going to redefine your usual love stories to take you on a journey! Meet the rest of the parivaar today at 2pm! [sic]"

On Monday, he had shared an update with fans on Instagram that he would announce his new directorial on Tuesday (July 6). Johar shared a behind-the-scenes video clip of his successful films of the past as a director. "This is the beginning of a new journey & my way back home -- all at once. It's time to go back to my favourite place, it's time to create some eternal love stories from behind the lens. A very special story, truly immersed in the roots of love and family. Announcing my next film tomorrow at 11am, watch this space for more! @DharmaMovies @apoorva1972, [sic]" he wrote as the caption.

In the video clip, Karan said in a voice-over: "The last five years for me have been about making 'Dharma Productions', 'Dharmatic Entertainment', 'DCA', 'Dharma 2.0' grow and push the cinematic boundaries through the lens of new and talented filmmakers. But, personally, my primary passion always lies behind the camera. Telling stories, creating a world fill with the multitude of colours, eternal music, emotions and I feel it's time to go back to my favourite place - on set and to create what I adore the most -- love stories. I am extremely excited to announce my next film tomorrow - a love story that is deeply embedded in the roots of family. I hope to seek all your well-wishes and blessings as I begin this journey."

Karan Johar's last directorial venture for the big screen was 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', which hit the theatres back in 2016. The movie starred actors Anushka Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Fawad Khan. After that, he helmed Netflix's anthologies 'Lust Stories' (2018) and 'Ghost Stories' (2020). Apart from 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', Karan also has 'Takht' in his kitty.

Also read: Karan Johar steps up, one kind act at a time

Apart from his directorial stints, the filmmaker also has a number of production ventures in the pipeline. He will be producing Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif starrer 'Sooryavanshi', along with Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt's 'Brahmastra'. Karan is also set to launch South sensation Vijay Deverakonda in Bollywood with 'Liger', which stars Ananya Panday as the leading lady.

Also read: Karan Johar launches Yash Johar Foundation to help people of film industry

With inputs from ANI and IANS