The powerhouse duo of Akshay Kumar and veteran director Priyadarshan is showing no signs of slowing down. Following the recent release of Bhooth Bangla and the completion of the Saif Ali Khan co-starrer Haiwaan, the pair has reportedly signed on for a new project with Tips Films.
This upcoming untitled comic entertainer marks a series of firsts and reunions: it is the first time Priyadarshan will collaborate with the Tips banner, and it marks Akshay’s return to the production house for the first time since Entertainment (2014).
A Record-Breaking Partnership
This new project will officially be the ninth outing for the duo, who have defined the slapstick and situational comedy genre in Bollywood for over two decades. Their legendary filmography includes:
The Classics: Hera Pheri (2000), Garam Masala (2005), and Bhagam Bhag (2006). The Blockbusters: Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) and De Dana Dan (2009). Recent & Upcoming: Khatta Meetha (2010), the currently playing Bhooth Bangla, and the unreleased Haiwaan. The two also remain committed to Hera Pheri 3, pending the resolution of ongoing legal complexities.
The Secret to Their Success: Discipline
During recent promotions for Bhooth Bangla, Akshay Kumar opened up about why his working relationship with Priyadarshan remains so prolific after 40 years. He credited their shared commitment to punctuality and discipline as the primary reason they “get along very well.”
“Our 7 o’clock shift starts at 7 o’clock. By 3 o’clock, pack-up happens. And life passes comfortably. No tension,” Akshay noted, emphasizing that Priyadarshan’s efficiency thrives when paired with a timely producer and a disciplined actor.
What’s Next for Priyadarshan?
While this Tips Films project is secretly moving into development, the director remains incredibly busy with a diverse slate of upcoming films:
Pankaj Tripathi Project: A new collaboration with the versatile actor.
Mohanlal Project: A highly anticipated reunion with his frequent Malayalam cinema collaborator.
Haiwaan: A major action-thriller starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, currently in post-production.
With Bhooth Bangla currently drawing audiences at the box office, this latest announcement reinforces Priyadarshan’s status as a master of “clean” entertainers that resonate with both the youth and family demographics.
