Akshay Kumar To Play Jim Corbett-Inspired Character in Priyadarshan’s Next?
Actor Akshay Kumar is reuniting with director Priyadarshan for their ninth film, an upcoming 1960s-set comic thriller focused on wildlife conservation. According to a report, Kumar will portray a character inspired by legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett who transitions from hunting man-eating beasts to protecting their natural habitats.
Actor Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan are set to collaborate for their ninth feature film project, an upcoming comic thriller focused on wildlife conservation. According to a report, the yet-untitled venture features Kumar playing a character inspired by Edward James "Jim" Corbett, the renowned hunter-turned-conservationist. Set against the backdrop of 1960s India, the movie will explore the transformation of a skilled tracker into a champion for forest protection. Akshay Kumar Pitched Himself for ‘Haiwaan’ After Several Actors Rejected the Role, Reveals Priyadarshan.
Akshay Kumar to Play Wildlife Hero in Priyadarshan's Next
According to the Bollywood Hungama report, which cites details from Mid-Day, Kumar’s character will be modelled after Jim Corbett's early life and trajectory. Set in 1960s India, the protagonist begins as a local hunter and tracker who initially kills man-eating tigers and leopards to protect surrounding villages. However, after witnessing the destructive impact of poaching, deforestation, and habitat loss, he shifts from hunting to actively safeguarding wildlife and advocating for environmental protection.
Although the film addresses serious themes surrounding nature and conservation, the report notes that comedy will remain a core element of the story. Priyadarshan plans to structure the narrative as a comic thriller, balancing lighthearted misadventures with high-stakes forest encounters.
To maintain visual authenticity, the production team plans to shoot the film entirely in real forest locations across India. Pre-production work is scheduled to begin in October, with the crew expected to conduct location scouting across the jungles of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Filming is projected to begin in January 2027 under a single, start-to-finish schedule in the wilderness. Casting for the female lead and supporting roles remains underway, with further announcements regarding the official title and full ensemble expected at a later date. ‘Haiwaan’ Trailer Starring Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan Sets Stage for Gritty, Unsettling Narrative Through Striking Use of Silhouettes (Watch).
Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan's Cinematic Partnership
The upcoming film marks the ninth collaboration between Kumar and Priyadarshan, a director-actor pairing behind several successful Hindi comedies, including Hera Pheri (2000), Garam Masala (2005), Bhagam Bhag (2006), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007). Their latest project, Haiwaan, is scheduled for release on September 11, 2026.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2026 12:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
