Vidya Balan To Star Opposite Akshay Kumar In Anees Bazmee’s Next?

The legendary Welcome and Singh Is Kinng duo returns after a 15-year hiatus, with reports suggesting Vidya Balan will join as the leading lady.

December 19, 2025: The “Khiladi” of comedy is officially returning to his roots. Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has confirmed a massive reunion with Akshay Kumar for an upcoming comedy-drama, marking their fourth collaboration after nearly a decade and a half. The news has sent fans into a frenzy, especially with reports that Vidya Balan is the top choice for the female lead.

The Return of a Powerhouse Duo

Akshay and Anees last worked together in 2011 on Thank You. Their previous track record includes some of the most iconic comedies in modern Indian cinema:

• Welcome (2007): A cult classic featuring the unforgettable Majnu Bhai and Uday Shetty.
• Singh Is Kinng (2008): A massive global hit that solidified Akshay’s comic stardom.
• Thank You (2011): Their last collaboration before a long-standing break.

Bazmee shared, “It is a comedy. I am writing the script right now; it’s almost complete. If everything goes as planned, we will start shooting soon.”

Vidya Balan: The Secret Sauce?

While the official casting is still under wraps, insiders suggest that Vidya Balan is the “unanimous” choice to star alongside Akshay. The two actors share a legendary history, having starred together in the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Heyy Babyy (2007), and the more recent Mission Mangal (2019).

“Akshay and Vidya share effortless chemistry as actors… Off-screen too, they share a warm equation, which made this an easy yes for everyone involved,” a production source revealed.

Is it a Remake?

Speculation has been rife that the film is a reimagining of the 2025 Telugu action-comedy Sankranthiki Vasthunam (starring Venkatesh).

• The Plot Rumor: The story reportedly follows a former police officer whose life is disrupted when his ex-girlfriend (a cop) asks for help with a kidnapping case, much to the suspicion of his wife.
• Director’s Stance: While Bazmee hasn’t confirmed the remake rumors, he hinted that he is focusing on “precision” in writing, noting that modern comedy requires more thought than the “instinctive” style of the past.

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Production Timeline

• Current Status: Pre-production and script finalization.
• Shooting Starts: February 2026.
• Director’s Streak: Anees Bazmee is riding high on the massive success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which crossed the ₹400 crore mark earlier this year.

This project joins Akshay Kumar’s increasingly nostalgic 2026 lineup, which already includes Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, Hera Pheri 3, and Welcome to the Jungle.