Priyadarshan confirms a long-awaited reunion with Pankaj Tripathi after more than a decade, this time for a full-fledged comedy. The news comes after media chatter during Paresh Rawal’s brief exit from Hera Pheri 3, which had pointed to Tripathi as a strong substitute. While Rawal has since returned to the franchise, the internet’s instinct wasn’t entirely off base. The filmmaker is now set to collaborate with Tripathi again, marking their first partnership in over 15 years.
Priyadarshan disclosed the update in a chat with Mid-Day, conveying his excitement about working with the actor once more. “It has been more than 15 years,” he reflected, referencing their last collaboration in Aakrosh (2010), where Tripathi portrayed a hitman. In the upcoming, as-yet-untitled project, Tripathi will take on a markedly different persona — a lovable, comical character.
Regarding the film’s tonal direction, Priyadarshan described it as a broad, situational comedy reminiscent of his earlier blockbusters. “It will be an all-out comedy, in the spirit of Hungama (2003) or Hera Pheri (2000), with Pankaj positioned as the central anchor. He is among the finest actors today, and it will be a pleasure to work with him again,” he stated. The cast will also include two additional actors, whose identities will be revealed once the script is finalized. “I’m currently drafting the story, and once it’s locked, I’ll approach the other two actors,” he added.
The filmmaker, who recently wrapped filming on the action thriller Haiwaan featuring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has a busy slate ahead. He anticipates two releases in 2026 — Bhooth Bangla, a supernatural thriller starring Akshay Kumar, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, and Haiwaan. If schedules align, he hopes to commence principal photography for the Tripathi-led comedy by summer.
“I plan to start shooting for Pankaj’s film from May, after these two projects release. It’s refreshing to return to comedy after years since I last directed a comedy, having recently worked on an action film and a psychological thriller,” Priyadarshan explained. When asked about possibly taking a break after Haiwaan, he laughed off the idea. “I can’t stay idle for long. I had this story in mind and shared it with Pankaj, who liked it, so I started writing.”
In other news, rumors about Bhagam Bhag 2 continue to circulate. While speculation links Akshay Kumar and Akshaye Khanna to the sequel, Priyadarshan clarified that he isn’t involved. “I’m not part of it. My next project, slated for 2026, centers on the Pankaj Tripathi-starrer,” he clarified. Reports also hint that Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for Dream Girl 2 (2023), may direct Bhagam Bhag 2.
Also Read: Priyadarshan wraps Haiwaan on a nostalgic note as Saiyami Kher emotionally films the final schedule at her alma mater, St. Xavier’s College.
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