Mumbai: Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has officially announced the fifth instalment of his popular comedy franchise Golmaal, revealing that filming for the new project has begun.

Titled Golmaal 5, the film was unveiled through a humorous announcement video shared by the director on his birthday. The clip confirmed the return of several familiar faces while also introducing a new addition to the cast — Akshay Kumar.

Sharing the announcement on social media, Shetty reflected on the franchise’s journey, which began nearly two decades ago with the first Golmaal film.

“Twenty years ago, the first Golmaal was released, a film that changed my life. The credit goes to you, my audience. Over the past 20 years, we have entertained you and sometimes disappointed you, but we have always been honest in our work,” he wrote, adding that his team had once again set out to entertain audiences with the new instalment.

ALSO READ | Jayasurya-starrer 'Aadu 3' cleared for release with a 'U' certificate

The promotional video features the core cast members — Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu and Tusshar Kapoor — celebrating the return of Sharman Joshi, who appeared in the original film but was absent from the later instalments.

The video takes a comic turn when Akshay Kumar suddenly appears, surprising the cast. Reacting to his entry into the franchise, Ajay Devgn jokes in the clip that Akshay “never leaves any franchise”.

Akshay is seen sporting a bald look in the teaser, dressed in a black kurta and lungi paired with dark sunglasses.

ALSO READ | Was ‘Lagaan’ inspired by ‘Naya Daur’? Ashutosh Gowariker sets the record straight

The actor also shared his excitement about joining the film on Instagram, writing that the “madness just got bigger and louder” and expressing his enthusiasm about becoming part of the Golmaal family.

The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, who are looking forward to the reunion of the franchise’s popular ensemble cast alongside the new addition.