Akshay Kumar is heading into deliciously eccentric territory with his next film for Priyadarshan. The actor will play a quirky tiger hunter in a 1970s-set action comedy, a character setup that instantly gives the project a more playful and distinctive identity than a routine star vehicle. For a duo that has already delivered some of Hindi cinema’s most beloved comedies, the new film looks designed to tap into that old rhythm while adding a fresh period spin.
That flavour is becoming clearer as the film locks key pieces into place. Annu Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav have joined the cast, strengthening the comic core of the project before cameras roll in the last week of November. A three-month schedule has been planned across wildlife locations in Rajasthan and a specially mounted set in Mumbai, while the team is also scouting Bhopal for portions of the film. The project has also been identified as Priyadarshan’s 99th directorial venture, adding another point of curiosity around a film that already has a strong hook.
November Shoot Plan Brings Annu Kapoor And Rajpal Yadav On Board
The biggest draw at this stage is not just Akshay’s unusual role, but the shape of the ensemble being built around him. Annu Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav bring very different comic energies, and that contrast is exactly what makes their addition so interesting in a Priyadarshan film. One thrives on sharply pitched eccentricity, the other on instinctive timing and expressive physicality, which should fit neatly into a story mounted as a period action comedy.
The Rajasthan schedule also suggests the makers are leaning into atmosphere rather than treating the backdrop as decorative. Between real wildlife locations, a controlled Mumbai set, and additional scouting in Bhopal, the film appears to be creating a fuller world for its 1970s setting. Casting for the female lead is still underway.
Why The Akshay And Priyadarshan Reunion Still Clicks
Few actor-director pairings in mainstream Hindi cinema have the kind of comic recall Akshay and Priyadarshan enjoy. Their collaborations on Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, and Khatta Meetha built a signature blend of confusion comedy, fast timing, and memorable ensemble interplay.
That history is precisely why this new film feels especially promising. Instead of simply revisiting old comic beats, it is introducing Akshay through a role that sounds oddball enough to spark genuine curiosity. The tiger hunter angle gives the film its own personality early, and the supporting cast only adds to that sense of mischief.
Akshay Kumar’s Recent And Upcoming Work
Akshay has remained one of Hindi cinema’s busiest stars through 2025 and 2026. His recent releases include Mission Raniganj in 2023, while 2025 saw him in Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh. In 2026, he also featured in Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan, extending their long-running collaboration into the horror-comedy space.
Looking ahead, Akshay also has Anees Bazmee’s comedy and Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s Samuk among his confirmed upcoming theatrical projects. This new Priyadarshan film now joins that slate as one of the more intriguing titles, thanks to its 1970s backdrop, unusual central role, and carefully chosen comic ensemble.
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