Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan are reportedly planning to join forces again after Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan. One of the films is sequel to a 2021 comedy drama that turned out to be a box office failure. Here's what we know about their upcoming collaboration.

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan to team up with producer Ramesh Taurani for two new projects

Credit: X/priyadarshandir

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan reunited after 16 years for Bhooth Bangla after their last film together, Khatta Meetha (2010). The film, released on April 17, 2026, is performing decently at the box office. After Bhooth Bangla, fans are waiting to see what the duo will come up with next. Turns out, the actor and filmmaker are reportedly planning on teaming up for two new projects after Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan.

A recent report said that both the projects are backed by Ramesh Taurani. The first film is Bhooth Police 2 which is expected to go on floors in January next year. It is the sequel to the 2021 film Bhooth Police which was also produced by Taurani. Akshay is reported to headline the sequel.

Hindustan Times quoted a source close to the development who said, “The first film, a comedy, will go on floors in January 2027. Akshay has also come on board as the leading man for Bhoot Police 2, also being directed by Priyadarshan.”

The source also said that the makers are looking for second male lead alongside Akshay. If an older report is to be believed, the second male lead was going to be played by Saif Ali Khan. According to the report, Saif was dropped from Bhooth Police 2 after he walked away from Ramesh Taurani’s daughter Sneha Taurani’s film.

The source added, “The team is on the lookout for the second male lead, who will join Akshay in it. Talks for both films had been on for the past two months and it’s only recently that all details have been finalised.”

According to the report, Taurani also confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, we are producing both the films with Akshay and Priyadarshan.”

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan have come together in the past to create several hit comedy movies like De Dana Dan, Garam Masala, Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhaag and more. The two projects will mark their ninth and tenth collaborations.

About ‘Bhooth Bangla’ and ‘Haiwaan’

Akshay Kumar-led Bhooth Bangla, which marked his return to comedy, has been doing well owing to its early-2000s nostalgia, and thrilling storyline. Bhooth Bangla managed to touch the Rs 100 crore mark within four days of its release. As of today, its total domestic nett earnings so far are Rs 121.40 crore.

Helmed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla is led by Akshay Kumar. It also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Jisshu Sengupta, Mithila Palkar, Rajesh Sharma, and the late Asrani. Bhooth Bangla marks the last on-screen appearance of Asrani.

Haiwaan, on the other hand, features Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles. Priyadarshan revealed that he has wrapped up Haiwaan’s shoot. However, the film’s release date has not announced yet.

Social and lead images credits: Viral Bhayani