29 October,2026 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar pic via Instagram
Following the success of Bhooth Bangla and the failure of Haiwaan this year, director Priyadarshan and actor Akshay Kumar are set to reunite for another project. Their upcoming untitled film is reportedly a comedy-thriller set in the 1970s and also stars Rajpal Yadav. Bhumi Pednekar has now been finalised as the female lead opposite Akshay. Priyadarshan confirmed his casting to Hindustan Times.
The upcoming film will mark Akshay and Bhumi's third collaboration. The actors have previously shared screen space in Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Raksha Bandhan. While the former emerged as a superhit at the box office, the latter failed to make a mark both commercially and critically. However, their on-screen chemistry recieved appreciation from audiences, making their upcoming reunion an interesting one to watch.
According to reports, Priyadarshan's upcoming film is expected to go on floors in the last week of November. The project is likely to be filmed over three months, with Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Bhopal serving as the prime shooting locations.
Meanwhile, the untitled project film will be the ninth collaboration between Akshay and Priyadarshan. The two have earlier worked together on films such as Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, Khatta Meetha, Bhooth Bangla, and Haiwaan.
Haiwaan, which hit theatres in September this year, turned out to be a box office flop. While talking about the film's failure, the veteran filmmaker had reportedly said to Deccan Chronicle, "The failure of Haiwaan, which I accept gracefully, proves again that audiences don't like us (he and Akshay) to do serious subjects together. This is not the first time I've failed in a non-comedy genre with Akshay. Many years ago, we did a film called Khatta Meetha, which starred Trisha Krishnan with Akshay. That too had underperformed. I don't think the audience wants to see us in the non-comedic space."
