Priyadarshan announces his 9th project with Akshay Kumar

Filmmaker Priyadarshan is set to reunite with Akshay Kumar for their ninth collaboration, even as their upcoming project, Haiwaan, is opening in theatres on September 11th. The filmmaker has revealed that Akshay Kumar will take on a rather unusual role, a hunter, in this project.

The upcoming film marks Priyadarshan’s 99th directorial venture and is expected to be a comedy-thriller. While details about the plot and the rest of the cast are currently under wraps, Priyadarshan has offered a first glimpse into the character of Akshay Kumar.

Speaking to India Today, the director was asked what audiences could expect from the actor. Priyadarshan described the role as “very, very interesting” and revealed that he is “making him play a hunter.” The filmmaker, however, chose not to disclose any further details about the character or the story, making the hunter avatar one of the film’s first major talking points.

The film is yet to receive an official title, although it has reportedly been referred to as Wicked Sunny. Producer Ramesh Taurani’s production house backs the project, which is expected to go on floors in December 2026.

The new project adds another chapter to one of Bollywood’s most successful actor-director partnerships. Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar have previously collaborated on popular films including Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha. After a considerable gap, the duo recently reunited for Bhooth Bangla and have also worked together on Haiwaan.

Meanwhile, Haiwaan is scheduled to release in theatres on September 11. The film reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan nearly two decades after their last collaboration and features Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Boman Irani, Rajpal Yadav and Sharib Hashmi. The film is a Hindi remake of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred Mohanlal in the lead.