Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, and Anees Bazmee Set to Team Up for 2026

New Delhi, january 02, 2026: The Bollywood landscape is buzzing with excitement as a powerhouse trio prepares for a major comeback. Superstar Akshay Kumar and the versatile Vidya Balan are officially reuniting with hit filmmaker Anees Bazmee for a brand-new comedy entertainer. This project marks a significant milestone, bringing back a creative combination that has previously delivered some of the most memorable moments in Indian cinema.

A Long-Awaited On-Screen Reunion

Fans of the Akshay-Vidya pairing have plenty of reasons to celebrate. The duo last shared the screen in the 2019 sci-fi hit Mission Mangal, but it is their legendary collaboration in the 2007 cult classic Bhool Bhulaiyaa that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences.

The upcoming film also ends a long hiatus between Akshay Kumar and director Anees Bazmee. The two last collaborated on the 2011 ensemble comedy Thank You. With Bazmee’s recent success in the horror-comedy genre—specifically with the Bhool Bhulaiyaa sequels—the industry is anticipating another “laugh riot” that leverages the signature slapstick and situational humor the director is known for.

Production and Filming Details

While many details remain under wraps, several key facts about the production have surfaced:

• Shooting Schedule: Principal photography is slated to begin in mid-January 2026 (specifically around January 15th to 19th) in Mumbai.
• Production House: The film is being produced by Dil Raju under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations.
• Not a Direct Remake: While initial rumors suggested the film might be a remake of the 2025 Telugu hit Sankranthiki Vasthunam, producer Dil Raju clarified that the new project only draws inspiration from the core concept and will feature a unique narrative tailored for the Hindi audience.

What to Expect: Humor and Heart

Anees Bazmee is reportedly focusing on the “combined comic capabilities” of his leads. While Akshay Kumar’s impeccable comic timing is a staple of Bollywood, Vidya Balan has recently showcased a renewed flair for the “funnies” in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Insiders suggest the script will balance humor with strong emotional character arcs, a hallmark of Bazmee’s most successful films like Welcome and Singh Is Kinng.

The film is also expected to feature a second prominent female lead, though the casting for that role has yet to be officially announced.

The Road Ahead for Akshay Kumar

This announcement comes at a busy time for the “Khiladi.” Akshay has a packed 2026 slate, including projects like:

1. Bhooth Bangla: A horror-comedy with Priyadarshan.
2. Haiwaan: A thriller featuring a negative role alongside Saif Ali Khan.
3. Welcome to the Jungle: The massive multi-starrer directed by Ahmed Khan.

With this new collaboration, Akshay seems to be leaning back into the comedy genre that solidified his superstardom in the mid-2000s.