Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 4: Actor Akshay Kumar, who has been lining up multiple sequels in recent years, has reportedly signed yet another franchise film — this time Rohit Shetty’s much-loved comedy series Golmaal.

As per reports, Akshay will feature in Golmaal 5, not as part of the popular “Golmaal gang”, but as the film’s main antagonist. The franchise, fronted by Ajay Devgn, also stars Arshad Warsi, Kunal Kemmu, Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade, with the core cast expected to return for the fifth instalment.

The development is being seen as a rare villainous turn for Akshay, who has only occasionally played negative roles in his career. He had earlier surprised audiences as the antagonist in Abbas-Mustan’s Ajnabee (2001) and later as Pakshi Rajan in Shankar’s sci-fi blockbuster 2.0 (2018).

Reports also suggest Akshay is set to play the bad guy in Priyadarshan’s upcoming action thriller Haiwaan, opposite Saif Ali Khan, indicating that the actor may be exploring more intense roles alongside his comedy outings.

The film will also mark another reunion for Akshay and Ajay Devgn, who have previously shared screen space in Suhaag, Khakee and Insan, besides making appearances in Shetty’s cop universe films.

Golmaal 5 is reportedly expected to go on floors later this month at Goregaon Film City in Mumbai, with the makers eyeing an early next-year theatrical release.