Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Akshay Kumar’s Ninth Priyadarshan Film Draws From Jim Corbett
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are reportedly making another movie together.
It will be their ninth film as a team.
The story is fictional and takes place in India during the 1960s.
Akshay will play a hunter and tracker whose character is inspired by Jim Corbett.
At first, the character hunts dangerous tigers and leopards that threaten his village.
Later, he learns that poaching and destroying forests can hurt animals.
The movie will mix funny moments with exciting thriller scenes.
Priyadarshan says it will not be a serious biopic, and the team plans to film on real forest locations with real animals and no AI.
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are reportedly reuniting for their ninth film together.
The untitled project will blend comedy and thriller elements with a wildlife-conservation story set in 1960s India.
Kumar will reportedly play a fictional hunter and tracker inspired by Jim Corbett’s shift toward conservation.
The film is planned to shoot on real forest locations, with a recce scheduled in Rajasthan and Gujarat after Haiwaan releases.
The female lead has not been cast, while pre-production is expected in October 2026 and filming in January 2027.
- Who
- Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan are reportedly making the film, with Kumar in the lead role.
- What
- A fictional comedy-thriller featuring a hunter who gradually becomes an advocate for wildlife conservation.
- When
- Pre-production is expected to begin in October 2026, with shooting reportedly scheduled for January 2027.
- Where
- The story is set in 1960s India; planned forest locations include jungles in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- Why
- The film explores a hunter’s changing views after he understands the effects of poaching, deforestation, and habitat loss.
Serious Conservation Drama
Lighthearted Wildlife Thriller
Film’s tone
Serious Conservation Drama
The character’s transformation and the themes of poaching, deforestation, and habitat protection could suggest a serious conservation-focused story.
Lighthearted Wildlife Thriller
Priyadarshan says the film is not a serious or solemn wildlife-preservation biopic, but a fun film with thrills.
Relationship to Jim Corbett
Serious Conservation Drama
The lead character is inspired by Corbett’s real-life transition from hunter to conservationist.
Lighthearted Wildlife Thriller
The project is described as fictional rather than a direct biopic of Jim Corbett.
Filming approach
Serious Conservation Drama
Reports describe extensive shooting in forests and a continuous schedule, emphasizing real locations.
Lighthearted Wildlife Thriller
Priyadarshan specifically says the production will use real animals and no AI, presenting the approach as part of the film’s entertainment style.
- Lead actor
- Akshay Kumar
- Director
- Priyadarshan
- Reported collaboration
- The duo’s ninth film together
- Story setting
- India during the 1960s
- Genre
- Comedy-thriller
- Character inspiration
- Jim Corbett’s journey from hunter to conservationist
- Production plan
- A single start-to-finish schedule in forest locations
- Casting status
- The female lead and remaining cast have not been announced
