Paresh Rawal Drops a Bombshell: You’ll Never Guess Which Actor is Joining Akshay Kumar for Bhagam Bhag 2!
Everyone is talking about the return of cult classics, but the real story is that our childhood nostalgia just took a massive, unexpected turn! Do you remember the chaotic, stomach-aching laughter from the 2006 original trio of Akshay Kumar, Govinda, and Paresh Rawal?
Well, hold onto your seats because while the “Bhagam Bhag” is back, one of the primary runners has been swapped out in a move that no one—literally no one—saw coming!
In the bustling heart of Mumbai this Wednesday, February 11, 2026, veteran actor Paresh Rawal officially confirmed that the comedy sequel Bhagam Bhag 2 is moving forward without the legendary Govinda. Instead, the makers have brought in the powerhouse of talent, Manoj Bajpayee, to lead the madness alongside Akshay Kumar.
The “Manoj Shocker”: A Serious Actor in a Madcap Comedy?
It sounds like a wild fever dream, doesn’t it? The man who gave us The Family Man and Satya is now stepping into the shoes of the “Hero No. 1” of comedy.
Paresh Rawal, in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, confirmed the news that has sent shockwaves through the industry. Rawal described the new pairing of Akshay Kumar and Manoj Bajpayee as a “different and unique combination,” and honestly, he’s not wrong.
While the internet is buzzing with curiosity about how Bajpayee will handle the slapstick, high-energy world of Bhagam Bhag, there is a lingering sadness in the air. Even Paresh Rawal himself couldn’t hide it, stating warmly, “We’ll miss Govinda”.
When asked about the million-dollar question—why Govinda isn’t part of the sequel—Rawal admitted he has “genuinely no idea” behind the casting decision.
Raaj Shaandilyaa Takes the Reins: A New Vision for Chaos
The shakeup isn’t just happening in front of the camera; it’s happening behind it too. The original film was directed by the master of confusion, Priyadarshan. However, for Bhagam Bhag 2, the director’s chair has been handed over to Raaj Shaandilyaa, the man who gave us the hilarious Dream Girl franchise.
According to Variety India, the decision to bring in a new director was partly due to Priyadarshan being tied up with multiple projects with Akshay Kumar, including Bhooth Bangla and Hera Pheri 3.
This new creative team is promising a “madder, crazier, and funnier” experience. The plot reportedly revolves around a fresh storyline of mistaken identities and escalating chaos, which is exactly the brand of comedy we expect from this franchise. Free Press Journal reported that the shoot is scheduled to kick off in Mumbai as early as next month.
Double the Trouble: Paresh Rawal’s Big Reveal
If you thought the casting change was the only surprise, think again! Paresh Rawal also revealed to Bollywood Hungama that he will be seen in a double role in the sequel.
- Rawal expressed his excitement, saying, “Maza aayega. Dhamaal hoga!”.
- This marks his return to a dual role after more than two decades, with his last one being in Chor Machaye Shor (2002).
- Adding to the cast is Meenakshi Chaudhary, who will be playing the female lead opposite Akshay Kumar.
Fans are Fuming: “No Govinda, No Bhagam Bhag?”
The internet is currently a battlefield. On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), fans are expressing deep disappointment over Govinda’s exit.
Many feel that Govinda’s impeccable comic timing and chemistry with Akshay Kumar were the soul of the 2006 film. Some fans have gone as far as saying the movie should be shelved because without Govinda, “the film makes no sense”.
However, another section of the audience is genuinely curious. Manoj Bajpayee is an actor who can do anything, and seeing him in a full-blown commercial comedy might be the “unique” twist the franchise needs to stay relevant in 2026.
Replacing Govinda is a massive gamble, but pairing Akshay and Manoj for comedy is a stroke of genius. Bold and risky! Methodology: This report was compiled using exclusive interviews from Bollywood Hungama and verified reports from Variety India and Free Press Journal.
My Take
Original Source: First reported and confirmed through an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama.
Call to Action: Are you excited to see Manoj Bajpayee’s comic side, or is it a crime to make Bhagam Bhag 2 without Govinda? Tell me your thoughts below!
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