Priyadarshan CONFIRMS reunion with Pankaj Tripathi after 15 years for a full-fledged comedy

When Paresh Rawal had briefly stepped away from Hera Pheri 3, social media was quick to suggest Pankaj Tripathi as a worthy alternative. While Rawal s return to the franchise has since put those conversations to rest, it turns out the internet s instinct wasn t entirely misplaced. Filmmaker Priyadarshan is now set to reunite with Tripathi for a new project, marking their first collaboration in over 15 years.

The director confirmed the development during a conversation with Mid-Day, expressing his excitement about working with the actor again. It s been over 15 years, Priyadarshan said, referring to their last collaboration in Aakrosh (2010), where Tripathi played a hitman. In the yet-untitled film, however, the actor will be seen in a completely different space as a lovable, comic character.

Describing the tone of the project, Priyadarshan revealed that the film will be a broad, situational comedy in the vein of his earlier hits. It will be an all-out comedy like Hungama (2003) or Hera Pheri (2000), with Pankaj as the pivotal character. He is one of the finest actors we have today and it will be a pleasure working with him again, he said. The film will also feature two other actors, whose casting will be finalised once the script is locked. I am currently writing the story and once that is finalised, I will approach the other two actors, he added.

The filmmaker, who recently wrapped up the shoot of the action thriller Haiwaan starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has a packed slate ahead. Priyadarshan is set to have two releases in 2026 Bhooth Bangla, a supernatural thriller featuring Akshay Kumar, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, and Haiwaan. If schedules fall into place, he plans to take the Tripathi-starrer comedy on floors by the summer.

I will begin shooting for Pankaj s movie from May, after these two movies release. It s refreshing to write a comedy after so many years as I recently helmed an action movie and a psychological thriller, Priyadarshan shared. Addressing whether he was considering a break after completing Haiwaan, the director laughed it off. You know I cannot stay idle for long. I had this story in mind, and narrated it to Pankaj, who liked it. So, I started writing it.

Meanwhile, speculation around Bhagam Bhag 2 continues to do the rounds. While Akshay Kumar and Akshaye Khanna are rumoured to return for the sequel, Priyadarshan clarified that he is not associated with the project. I am not a part of it. My next movie [to be shot in 2026] is the Pankaj Tripathi-starrer, he stated. Reports suggest that Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for Dream Girl 2 (2023), will helm Bhagam Bhag 2.

Also Read: Priyadarshan wraps Haiwaan on a nostalgic note as Saiyami Kher gets emotional shooting the final schedule at her alma mater, St. Xavier s college

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