KKN Gurugram Desk | In a remarkable father-son collaboration, Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn and his son Yug Devgn are set to lend their voices for the Hindi version of the upcoming international animated film Karate Kid: Legends. This marks not only a new professional milestone for Ajay Devgn—voicing an international icon for the first time—but also serves as Yug Devgn’s debut in the entertainment industry.
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Set to release on May 30, 2025, the Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions of Karate Kid: Legends will hit theaters across India, backed by Sony Pictures India.
Ajay and Yug Devgn’s First-Ever Onscreen Collaboration: A Voiceover Milestone
In an announcement that has excited both Bollywood and anime fans alike, Sony Pictures India revealed through an Instagram post that Ajay Devgn will voice the character of Mr. Han, originally played by Jackie Chan, while his son Yug Devgn will voice the lead character Li Fong, portrayed by Ben Wang.
The social media post featured an endearing father-son photo, captioned:
“A new master. A new student. Ajay Devgn and Yug Devgn bring Jackie Chan and Ben Wang’s journey to life in Karate Kid: Legends (Hindi).”
This project is particularly significant for Ajay Devgn, who is known for his deep baritone voice and powerful screen presence. Although the veteran actor has previously dubbed for characters in South Indian films, Karate Kid: Legends marks his first time voicing a character in an international Hollywood film for Indian audiences.
For Yug Devgn, who has remained away from the limelight until now, this voiceover role represents his official debut in Indian cinema, albeit through voice acting.
Karate Kid: Legends – Storyline and Global Cast
The story of Karate Kid: Legends is centered around Li Fong, a talented young martial artist who moves to New York City and struggles to fit in at his new school. His life takes a turn when he meets Karate master Mr. Han. The two form a unique student-teacher bond that helps Li channel his skills, gain confidence, and eventually compete in a prestigious martial arts tournament.
The film features Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, and Nial Larusso in leading roles, and builds on the legacy of the globally loved Karate Kid franchise. The story combines elements of discipline, emotional growth, and action, making it ideal for both children and adults.
Why This Film Matters: Cultural Crossover, Family Bonding, and Industry Trends
1. Bringing Bollywood Closer to Hollywood
Ajay Devgn’s association with Karate Kid: Legends is another example of Bollywood-Hollywood collaboration, a trend that has been on the rise for over a decade. As Indian markets grow, Hollywood producers are increasingly investing in local language dubbing with popular celebrities to make global content more relatable and accessible.
By lending his voice to Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han, Ajay Devgn isn’t just acting—he’s helping build a cultural bridge between East and West, making international storytelling more palatable for Indian audiences.
2. Launching Yug Devgn: A Gentle Start to Stardom
While many celebrity children jump into the limelight with big-budget launches or acting debuts, Yug Devgn’s introduction to the entertainment world through voice work shows a grounded and creative approach. By letting his son explore the craft behind the camera—or rather, behind the microphone—Ajay and Kajol seem to be allowing him to grow at his own pace.
This also sends a positive message to parents and children alike: that entry into cinema doesn’t always have to be about glamour—it can also be about storytelling, voice, and emotion.
3. Trend of Celebrities Dubbing Animated Films
This isn’t the first time a Bollywood star and their child have collaborated on a dubbing project. In 2019, Shah Rukh Khan and his son Aryan Khan voiced Mufasa and Simba, respectively, in the Hindi version of Disney’s The Lion King. That move was widely appreciated and seen as a unique form of on-screen legacy.
The Devgn duo now seems to be taking that legacy forward with their own powerful project in Karate Kid: Legends.
Sony Pictures India’s Localization Strategy
Localization has become a powerful tool for international studios to increase market penetration in India. With over 22 official languages and hundreds of dialects, language-based personalization is the key to reaching diverse Indian audiences.
Sony Pictures India’s move to dub Karate Kid: Legends in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu shows a clear intention to maximize reach across urban metros, small towns, and even rural pockets. Furthermore, casting Indian celebrities to voice global characters helps the content feel native and emotionally resonant.
Ajay Devgn: The Voice Behind the Legend
Ajay Devgn has one of the most distinctive and commanding voices in the Indian film industry. From delivering fiery monologues in action films to playing emotionally layered characters in dramas, his vocal expression is known to connect deeply with the audience.
Voicing Mr. Han, originally played by the globally adored Jackie Chan, is not just a technical task—it’s a cultural responsibility. Mr. Han isn’t just a martial arts teacher; he’s a mentor, philosopher, and emotional anchor in the story. Ajay’s voice brings gravitas and relatability to this character for the Indian audience.
Yug Devgn: New Kid on the Block
While Ajay Devgn has enjoyed a three-decade-long successful film career, Yug Devgn’s involvement in Karate Kid: Legends is being seen as a soft, artistic entry into the entertainment world.
What Makes Yug’s Debut Special:
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He’s voicing Li Fong, the emotional and action-packed protagonist.
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He brings a youthful energy and natural innocence to the role, as per insiders.
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His pairing with his father in a mentor-student equation adds authenticity to the dubbing.
The Devgns are said to have spent weeks in professional dubbing studios, ensuring clarity, emotion, and alignment with the animated expressions of the characters.
Release Date and Language Versions
Karate Kid: Legends will release in India on 30 May 2025, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu across major cinema chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis. The English version will also be available in select multiplexes.
For audiences who grew up on the Karate Kid franchise and for the younger generation discovering it anew, this film promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling.
Ajay Devgn and Yug Devgn’s involvement in Karate Kid: Legends represents more than just a father-son collaboration. It symbolizes a shift in how Indian celebrities are approaching global storytelling—with cultural respect, vocal integrity, and a focus on family-friendly narratives.
As Indian entertainment continues to evolve, projects like this reflect the power of voice, legacy, and localization in shaping the cinematic future of a billion-strong audience.
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