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Priyadarshan to Focus on Comedy with Akshay Kumar After Recent Setback

Following the commercial underperformance of his recent drama venture, filmmaker Priyadarshan has signalled a strategic shift back to comedy for his upcoming collaborations with actor Akshay Kumar.

LSN India · 26 September 2026

Director Priyadarshan has announced plans to return to the comedy genre for his future projects with Akshay Kumar, reflecting on the disappointing box office performance of his recent dramatic film. The filmmaker's comments come in the wake of industry discussions surrounding the underperformance of his latest venture in the drama category.

Priyadarshan, known for his successful comedic collaborations in Indian cinema, referenced the earlier mixed reception of Khatta Meetha as a key factor in his decision to pivot back to familiar territory. The film had failed to connect with audiences as expected, prompting the director to reassess his creative direction with the actor.

The filmmaker's decision underscores a broader industry trend where successful creative partnerships often benefit from returning to genres that have proven commercially viable. Comedy has historically been a strong suit for both Priyadarshan and Kumar, with their collaborations in this space having garnered both critical appreciation and audience favour in the past.

With this strategic realignment, industry observers expect the director to leverage the proven chemistry between himself and Kumar in the comedy space for their forthcoming ventures, moving away from dramatic narratives that failed to resonate with viewers.