In a major casting shake-up for the cult comedy franchise, veteran actor Paresh Rawal officially confirmed on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, that Manoj Bajpayee has joined the cast of Bhagam Bhag 2. Bajpayee will be stepping into a lead role alongside Akshay Kumar, effectively replacing Govinda from the original trio.
The news has sparked a mix of curiosity and debate among fans who fondly remember the slapstick chemistry between the original leads.
Key Details of the Sequel
- The New Trio: Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal return to their iconic roles, joined by Manoj Bajpayee. Paresh Rawal noted that the Akshay-Manoj pairing will bring a “different and unique combination” to the screen.
- The Female Lead: Meenakshi Chaudhary (of Guntur Kaaram fame) has been cast as the female lead opposite Akshay Kumar.
- The “Double Role” Twist: Paresh Rawal revealed that he will be playing a double role in the sequel, reminiscent of his iconic performance as Ram and Teja in Andaz Apna Apna.
- New Director: Raaj Shaandilyaa (Dream Girl) takes over the director’s chair from Priyadarshan, who is currently occupied with other projects like Bhooth Bangla and Hera Pheri 3.
Why Is Govinda Out?
While confirming the news, Paresh Rawal admitted he was unaware of the specific reasons behind the casting change.
“I have genuinely no idea [why he exited]. However, we will miss Govinda.”
Fans have taken to social media to express disappointment, with many noting that Govinda’s impeccable comic timing made the 2006 original a classic. Manoj Bajpayee, primarily known for intense dramatic roles like The Family Man, will now be under the spotlight to see how he adapts to the high-energy “chaos comedy” genre.
Release Timeline
| Milestone | Expected Date |
| Shoot Start | March 2026 (Mumbai) |
| Theatrical Release | 2027 |