Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan has revealed that he is preparing to retire from filmmaking after completing two major projects, Haiwaan and the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3. Currently in Kochi shooting for Haiwaan, the acclaimed director opened up about the film, his collaborations with Akshay Kumar, and why he feels the time has come to step away from cinema.Haiwaan marks Priyadarshan’s 99th filmHaiwaan, inspired by his 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam, is being reimagined with several changes to the dialogues and screenplay. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in lead roles, with Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher playing pivotal characters.Interestingly, Akshay will reportedly play the villain in the film. Mohanlal, who headlined Oppam, will also make a cameo appearance. “His character will definitely be a surprise for the audience,” Priyadarshan teased in a conversation with Onmanorama.Haiwaan will continue filming in Kochi before moving to Vagamon, Ooty, and Mumbai. Coincidentally, a crucial scene from Oppam was also filmed at the same Kochi location nine years ago.His 100th film with MohanlalAfter Haiwaan, Priyadarshan plans to direct his 100th film, with Mohanlal in the lead once again. The screenplay is yet to be finalized, but the shoot is expected to begin next year.On his long-standing rapport with Akshay Kumar, he said, “It’s all about comfort. For me, he is Bollywood’s Mohanlal.”
Hera Pheri 3 before retirementPriyadarshan also confirmed that he will finally direct Hera Pheri 3, reuniting Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal in one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedy franchises. “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.The filmmaker concluded with a candid confession: “Once I complete these films, I hope to retire. I’m getting tired.”Known for delivering some of Bollywood’s most memorable comedies including Hera Pheri, Hulchul, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hungama, and Garam Masala, Priyadarshan has been a master of both Malayalam and Hindi cinema for over four decades. His retirement, if it follows after Haiwaan and Hera Pheri 3, will mark the end of an era in Indian cinema.
