Priyadarshan has offered a glimpse into his next film with Akshay Kumar but stopped short of revealing much about the actor’s character. The filmmaker has promised an interesting part for the actor in the yet-to-be-titled comedy-thriller, which will also mark Priyadarshan’s 99th directorial.

The project, reportedly titled Wicked Sunny, is backed by Tips Films and is expected to commence production in December 2026. An official confirmation of the title is still awaited.

Speaking to India Today, Priyadarshan was asked what audiences could expect from Akshay in the film. “It is going to be very, very interesting; I am making him play a hunter,” the filmmaker revealed. He did not elaborate on how the character fits into the film’s story or whether the role is central to its thriller elements.

The film will be the ninth collaboration between Priyadarshan and Akshay, whose previous outings include Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha. The two reunited after several years for Bhooth Bangla, followed by Haiwaan.

Bhooth Bangla, which marked Akshay and Priyadarshan’s first collaboration in 16 years, was a horror-comedy set in the fictional town of Mangalpur. The film also reunited Priyadarshan with regular collaborators Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and the late Asrani, alongside Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi and Mithila Palkar.

Meanwhile, Haiwaan, their latest collaboration, is scheduled to release on September 11. The film also stars Saif Ali Khan and is a Hindi adaptation of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam thriller Oppam. Akshay plays the antagonist in the film, while Saif portrays a visually impaired music teacher caught in a dangerous situation. Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar are also part of the cast.