When Bhagam Bhag hit theatres in 2006, few could have predicted that it would go on to achieve cult status over the years, largely driven by its memorable characters, brought to life by Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and others.

Nearly twenty years on, the franchise is set for a revival with a sequel, though this new chapter will arrive with a reshuffled cast and a refreshed creative setup.

According to a report by Variety, Manoj Bajpayee has officially come on board Bhagam Bhag 2, stepping into the role earlier associated with Govinda, alongside Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal.

© Manoj Bajpayee

The sequel is said to chart a brand-new narrative built around mistaken identities, classic comedy-of-errors situations and spiralling mayhem, promising a high-energy, chaotic ride that retains the essence of the original film. The makers are set to take the project on floors next month, with shooting scheduled to begin in Mumbai.

Also, Raaj Shaandilyaa will be replacing Priyadarshan as a director for this sequel.

Fans unhappy with Manoj Bajpayee replacing Govinda and Raaj Shaandilyaa taking on the director’s role

Users are angry with this casting decision as they wanted to see Govinda and Akshay Kumar’s banter once again.

One user commented, “Bro they should give chance to Govinda they are doing a mistake by replacing him ,no doubt, Manoj Bajpayee is brilliant actor but govina is govina no one can match his commedy timing.”

Bro they should give chance to Govinda they are doing a mistake by replacing him ,no doubt @BajpayeeManoj is brilliant actor but govina is govina no one can match his commedy timing

— LucidTalks (@LucidTalks_) February 5, 2026

Another user commented, “I understand why Govinda is being replaced,he has lost in himself, but Manoj Bajpayee is a bad choice. They should have wrote a new script without Govinda's character coz he is irreplaceable You can replace Amitabh but not Govinda in any of his remakes or roles.”

I understand why Govinda is being replaced,he has lost in himself, but Manoj Bajpayee is a bad choice. They should have wrote a new script without Govinda's character coz he is irreplaceable

You can replace Amitabh but not Govinda in any of his remakes or roles

— Blank (@surmayimachhi) February 5, 2026

One user reacted, “Bad call. And raaj shaandilyaa? God bless the dialogues and writing..”

Bad call. And raaj shaandilyaa? God bless the dialogues and writing..

— Sam (@samiamman01) February 5, 2026

Another user reacted, “Is there no other good Director in the industry?? Raaj Shaandilyaa will ruin such an iconic film by making it another cringe comedy that will cater to dehati audiences.”

Is there no other good Director in the industry??

Raaj Shaandilyaa will ruin such an iconic film by making it another cringe comedy that will cater to dehati audiences.

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) February 5, 2026

About Bhagam Bhag 2

Akshay Kumar is expected to start work on Bhagam Bhag 2 once he wraps up the current shooting schedule of Anees Bazmee’s comedy project. Meenakshi Chaudhary has been cast as the film’s female lead.

This film might release next year.