Akshay Kumar and veteran director Priyadarshan—celebrated for their string of comedy blockbusters—are set to explore new territory with a high-stakes thriller. The duo has reportedly signed on to remake the 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam, originally starring Mohanlal, with Akshay stepping into the lead role.
According to industry sources, Saif Ali Khan will share top billing alongside Akshay, marking a “pure two-hero battle” at the heart of the narrative. “Akshay is a big fan of Oppam,” a source told Bollywood Hungama, “and when Priyadarshan offered him the film, he signed the dotted line immediately. He’s excited to tackle a thriller under Priyadarshan’s direction.”
Production is slated to begin in August 2025, with a start-to-finish shooting schedule planned to keep the momentum tight. The makers are eyeing a release in the second half of 2026, positioning the film as one of the year’s most anticipated thrillers.
This collaboration marks a departure from the comedic realm that defined Akshay–Priyadarshan’s partnership, promising audiences a darker, suspense-driven storyline rooted in the original’s premise of sighted butler Vikram’s gripping battle against unseen threats.
With two of Bollywood’s biggest stars and a seasoned director at the helm, the Oppam remake is poised to bring a fresh pulse of suspense and star power to Hindi cinema.
