by Sankranthiki Vasthunam
Remake Reports
The year 2026 is set to open on a quintessentially massy, celebratory note for Bollywood, as Akshay Kumar gears up to return to a genre he has long dominated—commercial entertainers—under the direction of Anees Bazmee. In a development that has instantly sparked excitement across film circles, it has now been revealed that the much-anticipated Akshay Kumar–Vidya Balan starrer will officially go on floors on January 19 in Mumbai.
The project, produced by Dil Raju’s Sri Venkateswara Creations, has already become one of the most talked-about films of early 2026, not just because of its star cast but also due to its intriguing positioning at the intersection of Bollywood and South Indian cinema. With rumours swirling around its alleged connection to the Telugu film Sankranthiki Vasthunam (2025), producer Dil Raju has now stepped forward to offer much-needed clarity, firmly stating that the upcoming Hindi film is not a remake, but rather an original adaptation inspired only by a basic concept.
As anticipation builds, the film promises a compelling mix of humour, emotion, and strong character-driven storytelling, hallmarks of both Anees Bazmee’s direction and Akshay Kumar’s crowd-pleasing screen presence.
A January Start That Sets the Tone for 2026
According to a recent Instagram post by well-known trade analyst and journalist Vickey Lalwani, the shooting for the Akshay Kumar–Anees Bazmee entertainer will commence on January 19 in Mumbai. This timeline firmly establishes the project as one of the earliest big-ticket Bollywood films to begin production in 2026, effectively setting the tone for the year ahead.
Mumbai, the heart of Hindi cinema, will serve as the primary filming location for the initial schedule. Insiders suggest that elaborate sets and real-location shoots are being planned to ensure a visually rich canvas that complements the film’s comedic and emotional beats. While further schedules may move to other cities depending on narrative requirements, the Mumbai start reflects the film’s rooted, urban-yet-mass appeal.
For Akshay Kumar, the January shoot is symbolic. Over the years, he has frequently kick-started new phases of his career with early-year releases or shoots, reinforcing his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most disciplined and work-driven stars.
Anees Bazmee and Akshay Kumar: A Reunion After 15 Years
One of the most compelling aspects of this project is the reunion of Akshay Kumar and director Anees Bazmee after nearly 15 years. Their last collaboration, Thank You (2011), may not have been universally acclaimed, but it cemented a creative rapport built on mutual respect and understanding.
In an earlier interview with Mid-Day, Anees Bazmee openly spoke about reuniting with Akshay Kumar, saying:
“There is mutual love and respect between us. When I told him about this film, he was more than happy.”
This statement carries significant weight, particularly coming from Bazmee, who has directed some of Hindi cinema’s most successful entertainers, including No Entry, Welcome, Singh Is Kinng, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and Mubarakan. His ability to balance humour with emotional resonance aligns seamlessly with Akshay Kumar’s instinctive comic timing and mass appeal.
For Akshay, this collaboration represents a return to light-hearted, ensemble-driven cinema, a space where he has historically delivered some of his most iconic performances.
Vidya Balan Joins the Cast: A Powerhouse Addition
Adding further depth and credibility to the project is the inclusion of Vidya Balan, one of Bollywood’s most accomplished performers. Reports about Vidya being paired opposite Akshay Kumar initially surfaced shortly after Bazmee’s confirmation, and these were later officially confirmed by producer Dil Raju in a conversation with Vickey Lalwani.
This film marks Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan’s first on-screen collaboration in six years, following their critically and commercially successful outing in Mission Mangal (2019). That film showcased their ability to share screen space without overshadowing each other—an attribute that bodes well for their upcoming pairing.
Vidya’s casting also signals that this film is not just a slapstick comedy, but one that values strong character arcs and emotional substance. Known for elevating commercial scripts with nuanced performances, Vidya’s presence ensures that the narrative will likely offer layers beyond surface-level humour.
Two Strong Female Characters: A Balanced Narrative Promise
Earlier reports by Bollywood Hungama suggested that Anees Bazmee’s next would feature two prominent female characters, with Vidya Balan playing one of the leads. While details regarding the second female role remain tightly under wraps, insiders indicate that both women will have well-etched character arcs rather than being relegated to ornamental roles.
This approach aligns with Bazmee’s evolving storytelling sensibilities. While his earlier films leaned heavily on male-centric humour, his recent works have shown a conscious effort to create balanced ensembles, giving female characters agency, wit, and emotional depth.
Industry observers believe that the second female lead could be another established actress, potentially adding further star power and narrative complexity to the film.
Not a Remake: Dil Raju Sets the Record Straight
One of the most debated aspects of this project has been its alleged connection to the Telugu film Sankranthiki Vasthunam (2025), which starred Venkatesh and enjoyed considerable success. Initial reports claimed that the Akshay Kumar starrer was a direct remake of the Telugu film, sparking mixed reactions among fans.
However, producer Dil Raju has categorically denied these claims. In his conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Dil Raju clarified that the upcoming Hindi film is not a remake in the traditional sense.
According to him:
- Only the basic concept has been borrowed
- The story, screenplay, characters, and treatment are entirely original
- The film has been adapted to suit Hindi cinema sensibilities
This clarification is significant, especially at a time when Bollywood faces frequent criticism for excessive remakes. By positioning the film as an original adaptation rather than a scene-by-scene remake, the makers aim to strike a balance between cross-industry inspiration and creative originality.
Sri Venkateswara Creations: Expanding Its Bollywood Footprint
The film is being produced under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations, a production house synonymous with blockbuster Telugu cinema. With Dil Raju at the helm, the banner has consistently delivered commercially successful and content-driven films across genres.
This project marks another strategic step in the banner’s expansion into Hindi cinema, following the growing trend of South Indian producers collaborating with Bollywood talent. The involvement of a seasoned producer like Dil Raju ensures:
- Strong production values
- Efficient budgeting
- A commercially viable narrative structure
Moreover, the collaboration with Anees Bazmee and Akshay Kumar reflects a calculated move to blend South Indian production discipline with Bollywood’s mass storytelling traditions.
A Film Designed for the Masses, Without Losing Heart
Insiders suggest that the film will balance humour, emotion, and drama, a space where both Bazmee and Akshay Kumar excel. Rather than relying solely on punchline-driven comedy, the narrative is expected to weave in:
- Family dynamics
- Relatable conflicts
- Emotional payoffs
This blend has historically worked well for Bazmee, whose films often thrive on repeat viewings due to their situational humour and ensemble interactions.
For Akshay Kumar, the project offers an opportunity to reconnect with audiences who have long appreciated his effortless comedy and grounded performances.
The Larger Vision: Salman Khan and Pawan Kalyan Projects Confirmed
Interestingly, this Akshay Kumar–Vidya Balan film is just one part of Sri Venkateswara Creations’ ambitious slate. At the recently concluded 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), producer Sirish, associated with the banner, confirmed two major upcoming projects.
A Salman Khan–Vamshi Paidipally Collaboration
Sirish revealed plans to produce a film starring superstar Salman Khan, to be directed by Vamshi Paidipally, known for hits like:
- Munna (2007)
- Brindavanam (2010)
- Yevadu (2014)
- Oopiri (2016)
- Maharshi (2019)
- Varisu (2023)
This collaboration promises a pan-Indian appeal, combining Salman Khan’s unparalleled stardom with Vamshi Paidipally’s emotional storytelling style.
A Confirmed Film with Pawan Kalyan
Sirish also confirmed that Sri Venkateswara Creations will produce a film starring Pawan Kalyan, further cementing the banner’s commitment to working with top-tier stars across industries.
These announcements underscore the production house’s vision of creating cross-regional cinematic events rather than industry-specific films.
Why This Film Matters in Akshay Kumar’s Career Trajectory
For Akshay Kumar, the upcoming film arrives at a crucial juncture. Known for his relentless work ethic and diverse filmography, Akshay has navigated varying box-office fortunes in recent years. This Anees Bazmee entertainer offers him:
- A return to proven commercial territory
- A director who understands his comic strengths
- A strong co-star in Vidya Balan
Starting 2026 with this project signals a strategic recalibration, focusing on audience-friendly cinema that blends entertainment with emotional resonance.
What Audiences Can Expect
While the makers are keeping plot details under wraps, several expectations are already clear:
- A high-energy entertainer with mass appeal
- Strong performances from a seasoned ensemble
- Situational comedy rooted in character dynamics
- Emotional moments that complement the humour
With shooting commencing on January 19, further announcements regarding additional cast members, music composers, and release timelines are expected in the coming months.
Conclusion: A Promising Start to a Power-Packed 2026
The revelation that the Akshay Kumar–Vidya Balan–Anees Bazmee film will go on floors on January 19 in Mumbai has set the stage for what promises to be one of 2026’s most anticipated commercial entertainers. With Dil Raju clarifying the remake controversy and positioning the film as an original adaptation, expectations have only grown stronger.
Backed by a powerful production house, anchored by seasoned performers, and guided by a director known for delivering crowd-pleasers, this project embodies the kind of cinema that bridges star power with storytelling. As Bollywood and South Indian industries continue to collaborate more closely, this film stands as a testament to how cross-industry partnerships can create content that resonates across regions.
As cameras begin to roll this January, all eyes will be on how this much-awaited collaboration unfolds—both on screen and at the box office.
