TV
Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated directors, has finally spoken about hanging up his boots. With nearly four decades of storytelling behind him, the director revealed that he plans to retire after completing two major projects, Haiwaan and his 100th film with Mohanlal. The filmmaker also confirmed that the much-awaited Hera Pheri 3 is on the cards before he bids farewell.
Haiwaan: The 99th Milestone
As reported by The Times of India, Priyadarshan shared that he is planning to retire from filmmaking after finishing two major projects, Haiwaan and the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3, along with a Malayalam film featuring Mohanlal.
Currently shooting Haiwaan in Kochi, Priyadarshan explained that the film is inspired by his 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, though with several new changes to dialogues and screenplay. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in lead roles, alongside Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher.
Reportedly, Akshay Kumar will be seen as the villain, while Mohanlal, who originally led Oppam, will appear in a cameo.
“His (Mohanlal) character will definitely be a surprise for the audience,” the director teased in a chat with Onmanorama.
The shoot will continue in Kochi before moving to Vagamon, Ooty, and Mumbai. Interestingly, the same Kochi location was used for a crucial scene in Oppam nearly nine years ago.
Priyan's Landmark 100th Film with Mohanlal
After Haiwaan, Priyadarshan will direct his 100th film, once again with his long-time collaborator Mohanlal. The script is still being developed, but the shoot is expected to begin next year.
On his enduring bond with Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan shared, “It’s all about comfort. For me, he is Bollywood’s Mohanlal.”
'I will definitely make Hera Pheri 3...'
Despite rarely working on sequels, the director confirmed that he will return to helm Hera Pheri 3, reuniting the iconic trio- Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal.
“I don’t usually revisit my original films with sequels, it’s not my preferred style of working. But I will definitely make Hera Pheri 3, as the producers have been requesting it for a long time,” he admitted.
'I'm getting tired...'
Priyadarshan concluded with a candid note by saying, “Once I complete these films, I hope to retire. I’m getting tired.”
Notably, from the timeless chaos of Hera Pheri to the laughter riots of Hungama, the quirks of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and the charm of Garam Masala, Priyadarshan’s films have etched countless memories of joy and laughter into Bollywood’s history, while his Malayalam works continue to stand as milestones of Indian cinema.
