The dream of seeing 90s icons Rani Mukerji and Akshay Kumar share the screen for the first time has hit a roadblock. Recent industry reports suggest that Mukerji, who was heavily rumored to headline the third installment of the hit Oh My God franchise, is no longer attached to the project.
Early Talks and High Hopes
The buzz began in early January 2026, when several outlets reported that Rani Mukerji had been cast as the lead protagonist in OMG 3. The film, directed by Amit Rai (who also helmed the critically acclaimed OMG 2), was touted as a “high-stakes cinematic event.”
For many fans, this was a historic announcement. Despite being top-tier stars for nearly three decades, Akshay and Rani have never completed a film together. They were famously cast in the 1997 film Mulaqat, but the project was eventually shelved. OMG 3 was expected to finally break that streak.
Why the Deal Fell Through
According to sources cited by Variety India, the collaboration never moved past the preliminary phase. While Mukerji was reportedly impressed by the story’s “divine feminine” twist and its focus on women’s issues, the discussions remained at an early stage.
“Akshay and Rani share a great long-standing relationship and were genuinely excited about teaming up, but those were very early conversations,” a source stated. “Talks never progressed beyond the initial outline.”
What’s Next for ‘OMG 3’?
With Rani Mukerji out of the picture, the production team—led by Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment and Akshay Kumar’s own banner—is back on the hunt for a leading lady. The stakes are high, as the script reportedly requires an actor of significant “gravitas” to match the franchise’s tradition of strong, socially relevant performances.
Despite the casting change, the film’s timeline remains largely on track. The film is directed by Amit Rai. Akshay Kumar is Expected to return in an “extended cameo” (similar to his roles as Lord Krishna and the messenger of Shiva). The film is Tentatively scheduled for May or June 2026.
A satirical take on faith, this time focusing on a “Goddess” narrative and contemporary social issues.
Looking Ahead
While fans may be disappointed by the news, both stars have packed schedules. Rani Mukerji is fresh off the success of Mardaani 3 and is set to appear in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer King. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar has a string of releases lined up, including Bhooth Bangla and Welcome to the Jungle.
As the search for a new lead begins, the industry is watching closely to see who will step into the role and keep the momentum of this blockbuster franchise alive. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
