Manoj Bajpayee Replaces Govinda in Bhagam Bhag 2; Sequel to Be Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa

The much-loved Bollywood comedy Bhagam Bhag is officially returning with a sequel, nearly two decades after the original became a cult favourite. Released in 2006, the Priyadarshan-directed film starring Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Paresh Rawal was celebrated for its madcap humour, sharp dialogues and iconic comic timing, earning a permanent place in the comedy genre.

Now, Bhagam Bhag 2 is set to revive the franchise with a fresh cast combination and a new creative vision.

According to an exclusive report by Variety India, Manoj Bajpayee has been roped in to star alongside Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, replacing Govinda in the sequel. Bajpayee’s inclusion marks a major casting shift and adds an intriguing new dimension to the franchise. The film is said to feature a brand-new storyline rooted in mistaken identities, comedy of errors and escalating chaos, while staying true to the spirit of the original.

The sequel will be directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for his successful Dream Girl franchise. While original director Priyadarshan is not returning for Bhagam Bhag 2, he is currently busy collaborating with Akshay Kumar on multiple projects, including Bhoot Bangla, Haiwaan and Hera Pheri 3. Raaj Shaandilyaa is expected to bring a contemporary comic sensibility to the sequel, blending humour with a suspense-thriller undertone.

Joining the cast as the female lead is Meenakshi Chaudhary, known for films like Guntur Kaaram, The Greatest of All Time, Lucky Bhaskar and Sankranthiki Vasthunam. Bhagam Bhag 2 will mark her return to Hindi cinema after her debut in the 2019 comedy-drama Upstarts. Discussions are reportedly underway to finalise actresses for key roles opposite Manoj Bajpayee.

Production on Bhagam Bhag 2 is expected to begin next month in Mumbai. Akshay Kumar is slated to start shooting for the film after completing the ongoing schedule of Anees Bazmee’s upcoming comedy entertainer. He will then move on to Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn’s Golmaal 5. With multiple comedy projects lined up, Akshay’s return to the genre is gathering strong momentum.

With a nostalgic franchise, a refreshed cast and a new directorial approach, Bhagam Bhag 2 is already generating significant buzz and is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated comedy sequels in the coming years.

Source: Variety India