Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar are set to reunite on screen for the third time in filmmaker Priyadarshan’s upcoming untitled film. Priyadarshan has confirmed Bhumi’s casting, bringing the actors together again after Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Raksha Bandhan. The reported 1970s-set comedy will also mark Priyadarshan’s 99th directorial venture.
Key Points
- Bhumi Pednekar is set to reunite with Akshay Kumar for their third film together.
- The pair previously appeared in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Raksha Bandhan.
- Akshay is reportedly playing a quirky tiger hunter in a story set in the 1970s.
- The film is produced by Ramesh Taurani and is expected to begin shooting in late November 2026.
- Annu Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav have reportedly joined the cast.
Bhumi Pednekar Joins Akshay Kumar in Priyadarshan’s Upcoming Film
Priyadarshan’s next collaboration with Akshay Kumar has gained fresh momentum with Bhumi Pednekar joining the project as its leading lady. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Priyadarshan confirmed Bhumi’s casting, setting up the actors’ third on-screen collaboration.
The reunion comes four years after their last film together, Raksha Bandhan, which was released in 2022. They first shared screen space in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017), the social comedy-drama that explored sanitation and the challenges surrounding access to toilets in rural India.
The upcoming film’s title, Bhumi’s character and further story details have not yet been officially disclosed. However, the casting brings together a familiar on-screen pairing within a new project from a filmmaker known for directing Hindi comedies.
Akshay Kumar to Play a Tiger Hunter in a 1970s-Set Story
The untitled film is reportedly set in the 1970s, with Akshay playing a quirky tiger hunter. The premise could give the actor a different period setting for his next collaboration with Priyadarshan, although the makers have yet to reveal a complete plot synopsis.
The film is being produced by Ramesh Taurani and is expected to go on floors in the last week of November 2026. Reports indicate that the team is planning a shooting schedule of approximately three months, with Rajasthan and Mumbai among the locations. Bhopal has also reportedly been considered.
Annu Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav are said to be part of the ensemble cast. Their characters and the full cast list remain unconfirmed publicly, so further details are awaited.
The screenplay has reportedly been written by Priyadarshan and Rohan Shankar, who also worked together on Bhooth Bangla. The combination of a period setting, a hunter character and a comedy-led premise has drawn attention, but the film’s precise balance of humour and other elements remains to be seen.
Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar’s Previous Films Together
Akshay and Bhumi first worked together in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, directed by Shree Narayan Singh. Released in 2017, the film combined social commentary with comedy and romance, placing the issue of sanitation at the centre of its story.
The actors reunited in Raksha Bandhan, directed by Aanand L. Rai and released in 2022. The family drama focused on sibling relationships and a brother’s responsibilities towards his sisters.
Their next film will therefore be their third collaboration, although the new project is expected to take them into a different genre and setting. With Priyadarshan directing, the film also reunites Bhumi with a filmmaker whose work has frequently included ensemble casts and comic situations.
Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar Extend Their Long-Running Partnership
The upcoming project will mark the ninth film featuring Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan, based on their previously reported collaborations. Their association includes comedies such as Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha, alongside their more recent projects Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan.
The new film will also be Priyadarshan’s 99th directorial venture. The director and actor have returned to working together across different phases of their careers, with the upcoming comedy adding another chapter to their professional association.
Rohan Shankar’s involvement in the writing team also connects the project to Bhooth Bangla. While the makers have not yet released a full production announcement, the reported November start provides an indication of the current timeline.
When Bhumi Pednekar Recalled Manifesting a Film With Akshay Kumar
Bhumi previously shared a personal story about wanting to work with Akshay long before she entered the film industry. During an appearance on Wheels of Fortune, she recalled watching a film shoot near her home when she was around 10 to 12 years old.
She remembered seeing Akshay perform a motorcycle stunt involving stairs. Akshay identified the film as Insaaf, which featured Shilpa Shetty as the heroine.
Bhumi said the experience inspired her to imagine becoming an actor and working with Akshay one day. That opportunity eventually arrived with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha in 2017, turning a childhood ambition into a professional collaboration.
The anecdote adds a personal dimension to their upcoming reunion. Their third film together will bring them back on screen after a four-year gap, this time in a project directed by Priyadarshan.
What to Expect From the Upcoming Film
The reported casting of Bhumi, the 1970s setting and Akshay’s tiger-hunter role are the main details available so far. The film’s official title, release date, character descriptions and complete cast announcement are still awaited.
The expected late-November 2026 production start may bring further details into focus as filming approaches. Until the makers announce more information, the reported plot and supporting cast should be treated as provisional.
JAY-HO! READ
Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar’s reunion is the latest development in Priyadarshan’s next film, which will extend the actor-director duo’s long-standing collaboration. With Bhumi returning for her third film with Akshay and the project reportedly set in the 1970s, the untitled comedy has several points of interest for Hindi-film audiences. More information about the title, characters and release plans is expected from the makers.
What to Watch Next
Watch for an official title announcement, further casting details and confirmation of the film’s shooting schedule. The makers have not yet announced a release date.
Stay tuned to Jay-Ho! for more Bollywood news and movie updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar reuniting for a new film?
Yes. Bhumi Pednekar is set to reunite with Akshay Kumar in filmmaker Priyadarshan’s upcoming untitled film, according to reports.
2. How many films have Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar done together?
The upcoming project will mark their third collaboration, following Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) and Raksha Bandhan (2022).
3. Who is directing Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar’s next film?
Priyadarshan is directing the upcoming film, which is expected to be his 99th directorial venture.
4. What role will Akshay Kumar play in Priyadarshan’s next film?
According to reports, Akshay Kumar will play a quirky tiger hunter in a story set in the 1970s.
5. When will Akshay Kumar’s next film with Priyadarshan begin shooting?
The film is reportedly scheduled to begin shooting in the last week of November 2026, with an approximately three-month schedule planned.
