Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, and Anees Bazmee Set to Reunite for Major 2026 Entertainer
Bollywood is gearing up for a major collaboration as superstar Akshay Kumar prepares to start shooting for a new mass entertainer. The film will be directed by Anees Bazmee, marking their first project together in over a decade.
Shooting Schedule and Star-Studded Cast Confirmed
According to industry reports, the project is set to begin filming in Mumbai on January 19, 2026. This confirms earlier statements from director Anees Bazmee about reuniting with Akshay Kumar. The pair last worked together on the 2011 comedy Thank You.
In a recent conversation with Mid-Day, Bazmee expressed his excitement. He highlighted the strong professional relationship between them. Bazmee said there is mutual love and respect. When he presented the concept for this new film, Akshay Kumar was reportedly more than happy to come on board.
The cast received a significant boost with the confirmation of Vidya Balan joining the project. Producer Dil Raju confirmed the casting to trade analyst Vickey Lalwani. This pairing is notable as it brings Akshay and Vidya back together after six years. Their last film was the highly successful Mission Mangal in 2019.
Clarification on Remake Reports and Film’s Scope
Initial reports suggested the film might be a remake of the Telugu film Sankranthiki Vasthunam, slated for release in 2025. However, producer Dil Raju has provided a crucial clarification. He stated the Akshay Kumar starrer is not a direct remake. Instead, the filmmakers have only taken the basic concept from the Venkatesh-led original.
This approach suggests the Hindi version will be a fresh adaptation tailored for a pan-India audience. Details about the plot are still closely guarded. However, reports indicate the film will feature two prominent female characters. Vidya Balan is confirmed for one of these leading roles.
Insiders suggest the screenplay will balance humour, emotion, and strong character development. This blend is a hallmark of director Anees Bazmee’s successful films and aligns well with Akshay Kumar’s versatile filmography.
Major Production Backing and Future Projects
The film will be produced by Dil Raju’s prestigious banner, Sri Venkateswara Creations. This production house is a major force in Indian cinema, particularly known for its Telugu blockbusters. Their involvement signals a large-scale, high-budget project designed for a wide release.
In related news from the production house, producer Sirish revealed ambitious future plans at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). He confirmed the banner’s intent to produce a film with superstar Salman Khan. That project is expected to be directed by Vamshi Paidipally, known for hits like Maharshi and Varisu.
Furthermore, Sirish confirmed that Sri Venkateswara Creations will also produce a film starring Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan. These announcements highlight the production house’s expanding footprint across Indian cinema’s biggest stars and languages.
For Akshay Kumar, this film with Bazmee and Balan kicks off his 2026 schedule on a powerful note. It combines a proven director-actor duo, a celebrated co-star reunion, and the backing of a major production giant. The industry will be watching closely as this mass entertainer goes on floors in January.
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