Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar To Reunite for New Comedy Thriller After Director’s ‘Hera Pheri 3’ Exit – Report
Following his exit from 'Hera Pheri 3', director Priyadarshan confirms his ninth collaboration with superstar Akshay Kumar for a new comedy thriller. The Tips-backed film is set to go on floors in December 2026, building on their successful legacy including 'Bhooth Bangla' and the upcoming 'Haiwaan'.
In a significant development for Bollywood fans, director Priyadarshan has officially confirmed his next project will be a comedy thriller starring Akshay Kumar. This announcement comes hot on the heels of Priyadarshan's decision to step away from the directorial duties of the highly awaited Hera Pheri 3, a move that has left many fans disappointed. The upcoming film marks the ninth collaboration between the celebrated director-actor duo, promising another dose of their signature blend of humour and entertainment. Priyadarshan CONFIRMS Exit From ‘Hera Pheri 3’, Says Akshay Kumar-Starrer May Never Hit the Screens.
Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar Join Hands for Their Ninth Film Together?
According to a Mid-Day report, the iconic pairing is indeed set for their ninth project. Priyadarshan's next directorial venture, a comedy thriller backed by Tips, is scheduled to commence filming by the end of 2026, most likely in December. The filmmaker expressed his excitement, noting that while he has explored comedies and thrillers previously, this new project delves into a genre he hasn't attempted before. He will be developing the screenplay alongside Rohan Shankar, who also contributed to their recent success, Bhooth Bangla.
This reunion solidifies a long and fruitful partnership that has delivered some of Hindi cinema's most memorable films. The news arrives shortly after Priyadarshan confirmed his non-involvement with Hera Pheri 3, citing numerous legal issues and personal conflicts that, to his knowledge, make its release unlikely.
A History of Successful Collaborations
The bond between Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar has consistently captivated audiences, proving to be one of Bollywood's most reliable and cherished pairings. Their extensive filmography together includes a string of hits across comedy and thriller genres:
Hera Pheri (2000)
Garam Masala (2005)
Bhagam Bhag (2006)
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
De Dana Dan (2009)
Khatta Meetha (2010)
Their recent projects further highlight their enduring synergy. Their horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, released on April 17, 2026, reunited the duo after a 14-year hiatus and proved to be a significant box office success, grossing INR 247.28 crore worldwide and becoming the sixth highest-grossing Indian film of 2026. The film, which also starred Paresh Rawal, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, began streaming on Netflix from June 12, 2026.
Currently, the duo is also gearing up for the release of Haiwaan, a suspense thriller co-starring Saif Ali Khan and set to hit theatres on September 11, 2026. Haiwaan is a remake of Priyadarshan's own acclaimed Malayalam film, Oppam (2016), and will feature Akshay Kumar as the antagonist and Saif Ali Khan as the protagonist. ‘Haiwaan’: Saif Ali Khan Opens Up About Akshay Kumar’s ‘Dangerous Negative’ Role in Priyadarshan’s Upcoming Film.
With Bhooth Bangla marking their seventh collaboration and Haiwaan their eighth, this newly announced comedy thriller officially becomes the ninth film where Priyadarshan will direct Akshay Kumar, reaffirming their status as a formidable creative force in Indian cinema.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2026 01:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
