Priyadarshan confirms his new comedy project with Akshay Kumar

Mumbai: The box-office wizard and National Award winning filmmaker Priyadarshan confirms a new film with the Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar.

"Yes, it is happening next year. The film was supposed to happen this year but it had to be pushed. We start shooting next year," the filmmaker told IANS about his film with Akshay.

The duo has previously delivered rib-tickling comedies like "Hera Pheri", "Garam Masala", "Bhagam Bhag" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa".

Elaborating on the new project, Priyadarshan said: "It will be a comedy film. I don't want to take any more risks. Let me entertain my audience. So far, the films in which we both worked have been very successful."

Before his film with Akshay, Priyan, as he is widely known to friends and colleagues, is busy readying his new film "Hungama 2" for release.

The comedy drama features Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Meezaan Jaffrey and Pranitha Subhash.

However, the filmmaker clarifies that the film is not an extension of his 2004 hit "Hungama".

"It is not a continuation of 'Hungama'. It is a different story treated in the same way as Hungama. There are confusions, situations, comedy of errors and slapstick but the plot is completely different. It will be a laugh riot, I believe," he said.

Just like many other films, "Hungama 2" is also releasing on an OTT platform instead of a theatrical release amid the ongoing pandemic.

"I wish I could release it in the theatres, sit with the audience and enjoy it. I belong to the old school. I have corrected myself by sitting with the crowd and watching my films, by observing what they like and what they don't like. I am going to miss that learning process," the filmmaker expressed, adding: "But even on OTT, everybody from the grandfather to the grandson can sit together and laugh. There is no vulgarity or double meaning in this film. It will be absolutely enjoyable. Comedy films are meant for mass viewing because laughter is contagious."

Pryadarshan, however, does not feel OTT platforms will replace cinema halls entirely.

"Definitely OTT is popular but films like Titanic, Baahubali or Avatar, which are meant for the big screen -- you can't watch these on your phone. You can't enjoy the visuals. Another reason is, in our country, the cheapest entertainment for a common man, especially the middle class, is taking the family to the cinema. Also, the pleasure of going to the theatre with your friends and family, you cannot get that pleasure by sitting at home and watching the film on your phone. So, theatres will survive all over the world despite the great impact of OTT platforms," he opined.

Priyadarshan's new directorial "Hungama 2" is slated to release on Disney+ Hotstar on July 23.