Filmmaker Priyadarshan, who was earlier set to direct Akshay Kumar starrer Hera Pheri 3, recently confirmed his exit from the project. He said that he is no longer associated with the film. However, looks
like fans of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar are in for a treat as the director-actor duo are reuniting for another film instead! As per Mid Day, Priyadarshan has confirmed his next film, a comedy thriller starring Akshay Kumar, and the film, backed by Tips, is expected to go on floors by the end of the year.
Priyadarshan And Akshay Kumar To Reunite For Their Ninth Collaboration
Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar, who last collaborated on Bhooth Bangla, are gearing up for the release of Haiwaan, set to hit theatres in September. While Hera Pheri 3 was initially on the cards, Priyadarshan has now exited the project. However, his exit has also opened the door for a new collaboration with Akshay Kumar, which is now in the works.
Mid Day quoted a source saying, “Priyadarshan has written the story, which is a combination of fun and thrills. The film will roll by the year-end, most likely in December. Akki and he are excited about the project because though he has attempted comedies and thrillers in the past, he feels this belongs to a genre that he hasn’t attempted before. He will develop the screenplay with Rohan Shankar, who also worked on Bhooth Bangla.”
Earlier reports suggested that Priyadarshan would spend the second half of 2026 directing a dramedy starring Pankaj Tripathi, followed by a film with Mohanlal. However, both projects have now been pushed to next year. Meanwhile, the Akshay Kumar starrer will reportedly go on floors in December 2026.
While speaking with Mid Day, Priyadarshan confirmed, “My next film is with Akshay Kumar and Tips.”
Interestingly, this marks Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar’s 9th collaboration after films such as Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, Khatta Meetha, Bhooth Bangla, Haiwaan.
