The world of Hindi cinema is buzzing with excitement as two titans of comedy officially announce their highly anticipated collaboration. Acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi is set to headline a new, full-fledged comedy film under the direction of the master of situational humor, Priyadarshan. The veteran filmmaker confirmed the major development during an exclusive conversation with Mid-Day, revealing his enthusiasm for bringing the versatile actor into a completely different, comic space.
Priyadarshan explicitly stated that the untitled film will operate in the same hilarious genre that made his classics like Hera Pheri and Hungama box office behemoths. This strategic partnership is expected to merge Tripathi’s nuanced, relatable acting style with Priyadarshan’s trademark knack for crafting chaotic, family-friendly comedies. The project is already generating intense interest, promising a much-needed resurgence of pure situational humour in Bollywood.
The upcoming project marks a significant reunion for the director and the actor, whose last professional collaboration dates back over 15 years to the 2010 social thriller, Aakrosh. Priyadarshan personally confirmed the long gap, recalling the last time they worked together:
“It’s been over 15 years,” Priyadarshan told Mid-Day, referring to Aakrosh (2010), where Pankaj Tripathi played a menacing hitman.
The contrast between their past and future collaboration could not be starker. In Aakrosh, Tripathi’s role demanded intensity and silence, embodying a character on the wrong side of the law. Now, the new project will see the actor shed his serious persona to embrace lighthearted chaos. This transition underscores Tripathi’s unparalleled range, proving he can effortlessly command both dramatic intensity and comic timing. Priyadarshan’s confidence in Tripathi’s comic potential is a major highlight of this announcement.
Priyadarshan’s signature style of filmmaking relies on situational comedy, where misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and everyday chaos drive the humor, rather than relying solely on slapstick or witty dialogue. The director assured fans that the new film will strictly adhere to this successful formula.
The director specifically cited his legendary hits to set expectations for the genre:
The film will be a situational comedy like his previous film Hera Pheri and Hungama.
This style of comedy appeals broadly to family audiences and ensures the humor remains clean and universal. By positioning the film in the same vein as Hera Pheri (a film often considered the gold standard for Indian situational comedy), Priyadarshan is not only promising quality humour but also setting the stage for a commercially powerful film built on organic, plot-driven laughs. Fans of classic Bollywood comedy are eagerly awaiting the return of this much-loved genre under the guidance of its master.
In the yet-untitled film, Pankaj Tripathi will be seen in a completely different space than the authoritative, often intense roles he is typically known for. The character he plays will be a lovable, comic character—a shift that allows the audience to see a softer, more humorous side of the critically acclaimed actor.
Tripathi’s recent successes, including his brief but memorable comic turns in films like Stree and Mimi, have demonstrated his flawless comic timing. However, this film will be his first time carrying a full-fledged feature in the pure comedy genre. The chance to lead a Priyadarshan film as the central source of humour marks a significant milestone in his career. The director expressed his confidence that Tripathi’s natural acting style will effortlessly translate into a charming and highly sympathetic comic lead.
While the scripting and pre-production phase is already well underway, the film is set to officially begin filming in May 2026. This schedule provides the production team ample time to assemble the rest of the ensemble cast—a crucial element in Priyadarshan’s situational comedies—and prepare the complex set pieces required for the genre.
The announcement of a 2026 filming schedule creates high anticipation for the film’s potential late 2026 or early 2027 theatrical release. The union of Pankaj Tripathi’s massive popularity with Priyadarshan’s guaranteed formula for laughter is already being hailed as one of the most promising cinematic pairings of the year.
