Filmmaker Rohit Shetty is gearing up to revive one of Bollywood’s most successful comedy franchises with Golmaal 5, and buzz around the project has intensified after confirmation that Kareena Kapoor
Khan and Sara Ali Khan have been approached for key roles.
According to industry reports, the film is being readied for a 2026 production start, marking a new chapter in the long-running Golmaal series, which first debuted in 2006 with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited. Ajay Devgn is expected to return as Gopal, continuing his long-standing association with the brand.
Big Names Eyed for Ensemble Cast
Industry sources indicate that Shetty’s team has reached out to Kareena Kapoor Khan – who previously starred in Golmaal Returns and Golmaal 3 – to return to the franchise, this time sharing space with a new addition to the universe in Sara Ali Khan.
Kareena’s association with the Golmaal films in the late 2000s helped cement her reputation as a bankable mainstream comedy star, while Sara’s growing popularity, including her work in Shetty’s Simmba, has made her a natural fit for big-ticket commercial entertainers.
Negotiations with both actresses are understood to be at an early stage, and no contracts have been signed yet. However, Shetty’s recent engagement with posts and conversations around Golmaal has fuelled fan speculation that casting and development are now firmly underway.
Kunal Kemmu Steps In as Creative Consultant
In a notable development, franchise regular Kunal Kemmu – who featured prominently in earlier instalments of the series – is reportedly joining Golmaal 5 in a creative consultant capacity.
While his on-screen appearance is yet to be confirmed, Kemmu’s involvement behind the scenes is being viewed as a way to blend continuity with reinvention. Industry watchers say his familiarity with the tone, rhythm and chemistry of the core gang could help shape character arcs and humour beats as he works with the writing team on the new script.
This move signals an intent to retain the essence of the earlier films while refreshing situations, gags, and relationships for a new era of audiences.
Production Timeline: Shoot Aimed for 2026
The team is targeting a 2026 production start, though details on locations and exact dates are still under wraps. Earlier chatter had suggested that Shetty would turn his attention to Golmaal 5 after completing his current slate, including high-profile projects such as the Rakesh Maria biopic.
If timelines stay on track, Golmaal 5 would follow a typical large-scale Bollywood shooting schedule and could be ready for release by late 2026 or early 2027, though there has been no official announcement on the release date so far.
The film is expected to continue the Rohit Shetty–Ajay Devgn partnership that has been central to the franchise’s identity, with the possibility of fresh casting choices – like Sara – broadening its appeal across younger demographics.
Legacy of the Golmaal Franchise
Launched with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited in 2006, the Golmaal franchise has become a staple of Hindi comedy, known for its:
- Slapstick humour
- Large ensemble casts
- Loud, colourful, high-energy storytelling
With entries such as Golmaal Returns and Golmaal 3 turning into major box-office successes, the series has built a strong recall value with family audiences and festival-viewing crowds.
Despite varied critical reception over the years, the brand remains one of Bollywood’s most recognisable comedy IPs, and Golmaal 5 is expected to lean into that legacy while updating jokes, settings and character dynamics for today’s sensibilities.
Fan Buzz and Industry Expectations
Social media has been abuzz since news broke of Kareena being approached to return and Sara potentially joining the fold. Long-time fans of the franchise have welcomed the idea of seeing Kareena back in the Golmaal universe, while Sara’s possible inclusion is being viewed as an injection of new energy and youth appeal.
Trade watchers note that strategic casting—combining established stars like Ajay Devgn and Kareena with a younger name like Sara Ali Khan – could help Golmaal 5 cut across age groups and geographies.
With Rohit Shetty at the helm, Ajay Devgn expected to lead the chaos once again, and Kunal Kemmu contributing on the creative side, industry insiders believe Golmaal 5 is well-positioned to reignite the franchise at the box office. As the project moves from talks to formal announcements in the coming months, its final cast and production details are likely to be among the most closely watched developments in the commercial Hindi film space.
By – Sonali