Pratibha Ranta, who made a splash with her debut film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (2024), is now said to be the frontrunner to play the female lead in Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand’. Director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba’s creature comedy went on floors this week, even as the makers are simultaneously finalizing the female lead.

A source reveals, “Sanya Malhotra was the makers’ first choice and everyone on the team had assumed she would be signed long ago. But recent developments suggest that the team has widened their search and is now considering Pratibha.”

‘Naagzilla’, said to be the first instalment in the serpent trilogy, is produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films. Considering Ranta recently wrapped up Anubhuti Kashyap’s directorial venture that is produced under Karan Johar’s banner, she has caught the attention of the makers for their next as well.

Insiders say that the only possible hitch may be her dates. The source adds, “Pratibha has a movie lined up with Maddock Films, which is expected to roll in early 2026. If there are no date clashes, she will headline ‘Naagzilla’ opposite Kartik. Mrighdeep and the makers are keen to have her on board as they feel she isn’t over-exposed on screen yet.”