Mumbai: When Paresh Rawal briefly stepped away from Hera Pheri 3, social media was flooded with suggestions of Pankaj Tripathi as a possible replacement. Although such discussions died out when Rawal went back to the franchise, the thought of Tripathi in a Priyadarshan comedy clearly resonated. The director has now confirmed that he is collaborating once again with Pankaj Tripathi in a brand new comedy film that feels timely and exciting.
Priyadarshan and Pankaj Tripathi Reunite After 15 Years
In an interview with Mid Day, Priyadarshan revealed that the new project will be his first film with Tripathi in 15 years. Their last film together was Aakrosh in 2010, where the actor appeared in a serious role as a hitman. This time, however, the director is placing Tripathi in a completely different zone. The film, still untitled, will make him a warm, endearing and comic figure, one of the spaces where many believe he has been very successful.
Discussing the tone of the film, Priyadarshan said that it will be a general situational comedy similar to his Hungama and Hera Pheri hits. He has called Pankaj Tripathi as one of the best actors in the present times and said the actor will be the central pillar of the story. According to the director, the script is currently being written, and once it is finalised, two more actors will be cast to complete the ensemble.
The filmmaker also talked about his busy schedule next few years. Recently, Priyadarshan completed the action thriller Haiwaan that features Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. In 2026, he is set to have two releases. One of them is Bhooth Bangla, a supernatural thriller starring Akshay Kumar, Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi and the other is Haiwaan. With all that falling in place, the Tripathi starrer comedy is likely to go on floors in the summer.
Why the Director Is Returning to Comedy Now
When asked about his enthusiasm in going back to comedy, Priyadarshan replied that it is refreshing to write comedy after doing serious genres such as action and psychological thrillers. He joked that staying idle has never been his strength and added that he had this story in mind for a while. After narrating it to Pankaj Tripathi and receiving a positive response, he decided to start writing the film in earnest.
In the meantime, rumors that surround Bhagam Bhag 2 are still going on and there have been reports that Akshay Kumar and Akshaye Khanna could rejoin the sequel. But Priyadarshan has clarified that he has no relation to the project. He claimed that his second film that would be shot in 2026 is the comedy with Pankaj Tripathi. Bhagam Bhag 2 is reported to be directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, the director of Dream Girl 2.
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