06 February,2026 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Manoj Bajpayee, Govinda
Sequels have clearly become Bollywood's latest obsession, and joining the bandwagon now is Bhagam Bhag 2. In 2006, the chemistry and comic timing of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Govinda made Bhagam Bhag an instant fan favourite. Now, if reports are to be believed, the film is undergoing a major casting change. Actor Manoj Bajpayee will reportedly join the cast, replacing Govinda.
As per a report in Variety, "Manoj Bajpayee has joined Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal in Bhagam Bhag 2. He has been brought on board in place of Govinda. The sequel is said to have a fresh storyline centred on mistaken identities, comedy of errors and escalating chaos, delivering a thrilling madcap adventure while staying true to the spirit of the original. Shooting begins next month in Mumbai."
It was earlier reported that Bhagam Bhag 2 is being helmed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, and also stars Meenakshi Chaudhary as the female lead. The diva will be making her comeback to Hindi cinema and is paired opposite Akshay Kumar. She was last seen in Upstarts (2019). Earlier, reports were rife that after the massive success of Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna has also joined the cast of the comic caper.
The film will serve as a follow-up to the 2006 blockbuster Bhagam Bhag. The first instalment was directed by Priyadarshan and featured Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Paresh Rawal in the lead roles. The film also starred Lara Dutta, Rajpal Yadav, Jackie Shroff, Arbaaz Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Manoj Joshi, Asrani and several others in key roles.
On the work front, Manoj Bajpayee is all set to reunite with Satya director Ram Gopal Varma for Police Station Mein Bhoot. It follows Bajpayee's honest cop who kills a notorious gangster, only to get possessed by the criminal's spirit. The haunting turns the disciplined cop into a maniacal force, spiralling into hilarious situations inside the police station. The film also stars Genelia Deshmukh as Bajpayee's wife, and Rajpal Yadav.
Apart from this, his recent release includes Jugnuma. He is also part of the crime thriller Ghooskhor Pandat on Netflix. However, the title has landed in legal trouble after a legal notice alleged that the film defames the Pandit community.
