The ‘Thank You’ trio returns to the floor for a high-energy entertainer inspired by ‘Sankranthiki Vasthunam’; Vidya Balan celebrates 47th birthday ahead of filming schedule.
January 2, 2026: Bollywood is set for a major comedic revival as director Anees Bazmee prepares to bring together the power-packed duo of Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan.
The project, which marks their first collaboration in six years since the 2019 hit Mission Mangal, is scheduled to begin its first shooting schedule on January 15, 2026.
According to industry reports, the filming will take place in Mumbai through January 20, focusing on high-energy sequences that leverage the unique comic strengths of both leads. While early speculation suggested the film was a direct remake of the 2025 Telugu hit Sankranthiki Vasthunam, producer Dil Raju has clarified that the project only takes inspiration from the core concept of the original to craft a unique Hindi narrative.
A Nostalgic Reunion
This film serves as a grand reunion for Bazmee, Kumar, and Balan, who last worked together on the 2011 comedy Thank You.
- The Comedy Quotient: Bazmee aims to tap into Akshay’s legendary timing and Vidya’s “humour fangs,” which she recently showcased as Manjulika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
- Casting Insights: Bazmee revealed that Vidya was his first choice for the script, noting that she was fully engaged and signed on within the first ten minutes of the narration.
- Supporting Cast: While Balan is the primary lead, reports suggest the script features a second prominent female character, whose casting remains under wraps.
Birthday Celebrations Before the Grind
Leading lady Vidya Balan entered the new year on a high note, celebrating her 47th birthday on January 1. The actress opted for a warm, low-key celebration in Mumbai, cutting a cake with the paparazzi while dressed in an elegant black outfit.
The serene celebration comes just two weeks before she steps back into the world of slapstick comedy. With Bazmee at the helm—fresh off the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3—and Akshay Kumar returning to his home ground of “massy” entertainers, the untitled project is already one of the most talked-about films of 2026.