Priyadarshan on his reunion with Akshay Kumar: This isn’t a Bhool Bhulaiyaa sequel

After collaborating on six comedy films, Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan are poised for their seventh venture. Following their last joint effort, “Khatta Meetha,” in 2010, the duo is reuniting after a hiatus of 14 years for a horror comedy. Priyadarshan makes it clear that this film won’t be a sequel or spin-off to their cult hit “Bhool Bhulaiyaa.”

“My collaboration with Akshay is not a remake; it’s an original concept. The script isn’t mine; it was presented to me by Ekta Kapoor, the producer. While it won’t be a Bhool Bhulaiyaa sequel, it will delve into the realm of horror comedy, a fusion of fantasy and humor, considering horror can never be entirely real. I would even classify Bhool Bhulaiyaa as a psychological thriller with a touch of humor. Thus, this new project is not a continuation of any previous movie. We commence filming in October,” affirms the director.

Priyadarshan, known for directing Bhool Bhulaiyaa, confesses that he has been selective about his recent projects. “I wasn’t content with the scripts that came my way. This collaboration with Akshay is something I find truly exciting,” he shares.

Addressing why he didn’t direct the sequel to Bhool Bhulaiyaa, he responds, “I never had a suitable subject for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. I am genuinely pleased with the success the film achieved, and I even congratulated Anees Bazmee, the director, for his work. Crafting a successful sequel is no easy feat, and the audience embraced the film.”

While the scripting for the Akshay Kumar-starrer is underway, Priyadarshan is concurrently working on a documentary. “This marks my first foray into documentary filmmaking. It explores the history of the Ayodha temple, commencing from 1983.”