The laughter is finally returning to the big screen, and it is louder than ever. On March 14, 2026, filmmaker Rohit Shetty chose his 52nd birthday to give fans the ultimate gift: the official announcement of Golmaal 5.
After years of speculation and “will-they-won’t-they” rumors, the cameras have finally started rolling on the fifth installment of India’s most beloved comedy franchise.
With a massive cast expansion, the return of a long-lost original member, and a release window aimed at early 2027, Golmaal 5 (stylized as G5) is shaping up to be the cinematic event of the decade for comedy lovers.
The Big Announcement: A Birthday to Remember
For two decades, the Golmaal series has been a cornerstone of Bollywood’s “leave-your-brain-at-home” brand of entertainment. In an emotional Instagram post, Rohit Shetty reflected on the journey:
“20 years ago, the first Golmaal was released—a film that changed my life. We have entertained you, and yes, sometimes disappointed you, but we have always been honest in our work. Now, the madness gets bigger.”
The announcement was accompanied by a viral “first-look” video shot on the film’s set at Film City, Mumbai.
The clip immediately set social media ablaze, trending within minutes as fans realized that this wasn’t just another sequel—it was a massive crossover.
The Return of the OG: Sharman Joshi
One of the most heartwarming highlights of the announcement was the confirmation that Sharman Joshi is officially back.
Sharman, who played the fan-favorite character “Laxman” in the original 2006 film Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, had been absent from the sequels for nearly 20 years.
In the teaser video, the current “gang”—Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu, and Tusshar Kapoor—are seen celebrating Sharman’s return, only for Ajay to hint that an even bigger surprise was waiting in the wings.
The “Khiladi” Enters the Chaos: Akshay Kumar
The biggest shocker of 2026 is undoubtedly the addition of Akshay Kumar to the Golmaal universe. While Akshay has collaborated with Rohit Shetty in the Cop Universe (Sooryavanshi, Singham Again), this marks his first foray into the slapstick world of Golmaal.
Golmaal 5 Character Details & Look
Akshay Kumar appeared in the announcement video sporting a striking bald look, paired with a black kurta-pyjama and dark sunglasses.
According to industry insiders, Akshay isn’t just making a cameo; he has a dynamic, full-fledged role that reportedly involves a “Tom & Jerry” style rivalry with Ajay Devgn’s character, Gopal.
Golmaal 5 Key Casting Table:
| Actor:— | Character:— | Status:— |
|---|---|---|
| Ajay Devgn | Gopal | The hot-headed leader |
| Arshad Warsi | Madhav | The mischievous rival |
| Tusshar Kapoor | Lucky | The iconic mute character |
| Sharman Joshi | Laxman (OG) | Returning after 20 years |
| Kunal Kemmu | Laxman | The fast-talker |
| Shreyas Talpade | Laxman | The stammerer |
| Akshay Kumar | TBD | The new “Madness” factor |
Golmaal 5 Production Timeline and Release Date
While the shoot officially commenced in March 2026, fans will have to wait a little longer to see the finished product.
- Filming Start: March 14, 2026 (Film City, Mumbai).
- Production Schedule: The film is expected to have a long, globe-trotting production phase typical of Shetty’s blockbusters, though Akshay Kumar has reportedly allotted a concentrated 18-day window for his high-octane comedy sequences.
- Expected Release: While an exact date hasn’t been locked, the makers are eyeing an Early 2027 theatrical release, likely during the Republic Day or Holi period to maximize the box office potential.
A Note on Security
The production begins under a shadow of heightened security. Following a shooting incident outside Rohit Shetty’s residence in February 2026, the Mumbai Police have provided a robust security cover for the film sets. Despite the tension, the team appears resilient, with Shetty returning to the director’s chair just 40 days after the incident to ensure the project stays on track.
Golmaal 5 What to Expect: Rumors vs. Reality
There were heavy rumors circulating that Golmaal 5 would be a modern-day remake of the classic comedy Do Aur Do Paanch. However, Rohit Shetty’s team issued a stern clarification in February 2026, calling those reports “factually incorrect and misleading.”
Instead, G5 is expected to be an original script that doubles down on the “supernatural comedy” elements introduced in Golmaal Again (2017), but with a much larger scale. With three “Laxmans” now in the mix (Sharman, Shreyas, and Kunal), the linguistic and situational confusion is expected to reach a fever pitch.
Why This Matters for Bollywood
The Golmaal franchise is more than just a movie series; it is a financial powerhouse. At a time when the Indian box office has seen fluctuating fortunes, the reunion of Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar-two of the biggest superstars in the country—in a pure comedy format is seen as a “sure-shot blockbuster.”
- Director’s Touch: Rohit Shetty remains the only Indian director with a consistent track record of delivering 100-crore and 200-crore hits in the comedy genre.
- Chemistry: The legendary rivalry between Ajay and Akshay (last seen in the action-heavy Singham Again) being pivoted into comedy is a masterstroke that appeals to both 90s kids and Gen Z audiences.
Golmaal 5 Conclusion: The Countdown Begins
Golmaal 5 is not just a sequel; it is a celebration of twenty years of laughter. By bringing back the original Laxman (Sharman Joshi) and introducing the unmatched energy of Akshay Kumar, Rohit Shetty has ensured that the fifth installment will be the biggest one yet.
The “madness” has officially begun filming, and if the announcement video is any indication, the chemistry between the seven leads is going to be electric. For now, mark your calendars for 2027—the boys are back in town, and they are bringing a “Khiladi” with them.
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