Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan wrap Kerala shoot of Anees Bazmee's untitled drama
Synopsis
After a 15-year gap, Akshay Kumar reunites with director Anees Bazmee for an untitled drama that marks his fourth film with Vidya Balan. The Kerala schedule wrap signals momentum on a project that brings together two proven box-office pairs and a director known for high-octane comedies, now pivoting to dramatic territory.
Key Takeaways
Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan completed their Kerala shooting schedule on 5 May for an untitled drama directed by Anees Bazmee .
This is the fourth on-screen pairing of Akshay and Vidya , following "Heyy Babyy" (2007), "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" (2007), and "Mission Mangal" (2019).
The project marks Akshay and Bazmee's first collaboration in 15 years , after hits like "Singh Is Kinng" (2008), "Welcome" (2007), and "Thank You" (2011).
Raashii Khanna is the third lead in the ensemble cast.
The untitled drama's release date and full plot details remain undisclosed.
Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan have completed the Kerala schedule of their forthcoming untitled drama directed by Anees Bazmee, marking their fourth collaboration as a leading pair. The actor announced the wrap on social media on 5 May, sharing a photograph alongside co-star Raashii Khanna and crediting the filmmaker for his creative direction.
The shoot wrap and actor's note
Akshay posted: "Keralam schedule wrapped! Nothing beats working with good people in a beautiful place." He further expressed gratitude to Bazmee, writing, "Big love to our director Anees Bazmee for the madness behind the camera and to my incredible co-stars Vidya & Raashii and the entire crew! This one's been special."
A reunion after 15 years
The partnership between Akshay and Bazmee marks their first collaboration in 15 years, following hits such as "Singh Is Kinng" (2008), "Welcome" (2007), and "Thank You" (2011). The actor and director had not worked together since 2011, making this project a significant reunion in Hindi cinema.
Akshay and Vidya's on-screen chemistry
This is the fourth film pairing Akshay and Vidya, who have previously starred together in "Heyy Babyy" (2007), "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" (2007), and "Mission Mangal" (2019). The duo's on-screen partnership has consistently resonated with audiences, establishing them as a reliable box-office combination across genres ranging from comedy to drama to science fiction.
Behind-the-scenes moments
During the Kerala schedule, Raashii Khanna shared a candid moment on social media, revealing that Vidya had surprised her with colorful chocolate donuts on set. Raashii captioned her post: "Thankyou to the sweetest @balanvidya mam for the donuts. Swipe to see what happens when the sugar hits!" The gesture underscored the collaborative and warm atmosphere on the film's set.
Production timeline
Akshay had announced his departure for Kerala in April, sharing footage of himself and Vidya boarding an aircraft. He wrote at the time, "Next stop: God's own country, the magical Keralam. Anees Bazmi's next is my fourth film with the ever fabulous @balanvidya and I hope the good luck charm of our jodi continues." The untitled drama's release date and further production details remain under wraps.
Point of View
And pairing him with Akshay-Vidya—a jodi that has delivered across genres—suggests the filmmakers are confident in both casting and script. Whether this untitled drama breaks Bazmee's comedy mould or merely applies it to emotional terrain remains to be seen. The Kerala locale, a favourite for Bollywood shoots seeking authenticity, hints at a story rooted in regional texture rather than metropolitan gloss.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan's new film with Anees Bazmee?
It is an untitled drama directed by Anees Bazmee, marking the fourth on-screen pairing of Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan. The film also stars Raashii Khanna. The Kerala schedule wrapped on 5 May, though the release date and full plot details remain undisclosed.
How many films have Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan done together?
Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan have appeared together in four films: "Heyy Babyy" (2007), "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" (2007), "Mission Mangal" (2019), and this untitled Anees Bazmee drama.
When was the last time Akshay Kumar worked with director Anees Bazmee?
Akshay Kumar and Anees Bazmee last collaborated 15 years ago on "Thank You" (2011). Their previous hits together include "Singh Is Kinng" (2008) and "Welcome" (2007).
Who else is cast in the Anees Bazmee film with Akshay and Vidya?
Raashii Khanna is the third lead in the ensemble cast. She shared behind-the-scenes moments from the Kerala schedule, including a note of gratitude to Vidya Balan for a sweet surprise on set.
