Over a month ago, Priyadarshan had spoken about collaborating with Rohit Shetty for a slapstick comedy, but refrained from divulging further details. Now we hear that the film will feature Akshay Kumar in the lead.

An industry insider says, "Priyadarshan is giving finishing touches to the script of his next Bollywood project and has already signed Akshay for it. This director-actor combination has tasted great commercial success, their best films being 'Hera Pheri' (2000) and 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' (2007). This is poised to be their eighth film together. It will be a big-budget affair with Rohit Shetty backing it."

Contacted for a comment, Priyadarshan said in measured words, "The script has been finalised and rest of the casting is being discussed. It will be a musical comedy; my comeback after a two-year break from the Hindi film industry."

Akshay Kumar, who is shooting in Jaisalmer for his next, and Rohit Shetty remained unavailable for comment. A source close to the actor, however, confirmed the buzz.