Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan are once again joining forces, but their next collaboration appears to be very different from the comedies that made their partnership famous. The actor-director duo are reportedly working on a new comedy-thriller, in which Akshay will play a hunter.
The upcoming project will mark the ninth collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan and is expected to be the filmmaker’s 99th directorial venture. While the film’s title is yet to receive an official announcement, it has reportedly been locked as Wicked Sunny. The project is being backed by Ramesh Taurani’s Tips Films and is expected to go on floors towards the end of 2026.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Akshay Kumar |
| Director | Priyadarshan |
| Reported Title | Wicked Sunny |
| Genre | Comedy-Thriller |
| Akshay’s Role | Hunter |
| Inspiration | Reportedly inspired by Jim Corbett |
| Producer | Ramesh Taurani, Tips Films |
| Collaboration | Akshay-Priyadarshan’s 9th film |
| Priyadarshan’s Milestone | 99th directorial |
| Expected Start | December 2026 |
| Main Theme | Wildlife, conservation and adventure |
Akshay Kumar Will Play a Hunter
The biggest revelation about the new Akshay Kumar movie has come directly from Priyadarshan. In an interaction with India Today, the filmmaker confirmed that he is making Akshay play a hunter, describing the character as something audiences will find “very, very interesting.”
Although Priyadarshan has not revealed the complete storyline, reports suggest that Akshay’s character will be a skilled hunter and tracker with an extensive understanding of forests.
The reported character arc is particularly intriguing. He initially hunts man-eating tigers and leopards that threaten villages but gradually develops a completely different perspective after witnessing the damage caused by poaching and deforestation.
Jim Corbett Connection Adds More Intrigue
According to reports, the character is inspired by legendary hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett, whose life and experiences have reportedly influenced the film’s story. Corbett was known for hunting man-eating tigers and leopards before becoming an important figure associated with wildlife conservation.
However, the project should not currently be described as a straightforward biopic of Jim Corbett. Available reports indicate that Akshay’s character is inspired by Corbett, while the film itself is being developed as a fictional comedy-thriller set against the world of forests and wildlife.
This distinction makes the project even more interesting because Priyadarshan appears to be combining a serious environmental theme with his trademark sense of humour.
From Hunter to Wildlife Protector
The reported storyline gives Akshay’s character a significant transformation. He begins as someone who uses his hunting skills to protect villagers from dangerous animals. But as he spends more time in the wilderness, he starts understanding the consequences of human interference.
The character reportedly witnesses how illegal hunting and deforestation destroy wildlife habitats, eventually changing his own philosophy. Instead of simply hunting animals, he begins advocating their protection and the preservation of forests.
This evolution could give Akshay an opportunity to combine action, comedy and emotional drama within the same character.
Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar’s Ninth Collaboration
The Akshay Kumar-Priyadarshan combination is one of Bollywood’s most recognised actor-director partnerships. The two have previously worked together on films including Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha.
After a long gap, they reunited for Bhooth Bangla and are also collaborating on Haiwaan, which is scheduled to release on September 11, 2026.
Their next project will therefore become their ninth film together, making the partnership even more significant.
When Will Akshay Kumar’s New Film Begin?
The upcoming Akshay Kumar movie is expected to begin production towards the end of 2026. Earlier reports suggested that filming could start in December, while other reports indicate that pre-production work is expected to begin before the main shoot.
The makers are reportedly looking at forest locations for the film, which would allow the wilderness to become an important part of the story rather than simply serving as a backdrop.
With comedy, thriller elements, wildlife conservation and an unusual hunter character, the project could offer Akshay Kumar a role that is quite different from his recent screen appearances.
For now, the biggest attraction is clear: Akshay Kumar as a hunter in a Priyadarshan film inspired by the world of Jim Corbett. If the reported concept lives up to its promise, this ninth collaboration could bring a surprisingly fresh chapter to the actor-director duo’s long-running partnership
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