In a strongly worded statement, Rohit Shetty’s production team has categorically dismissed viral reports claiming that Bollywood’s most-awaited comedy sequel Golmaal 5 is inspired by the 1980 classic Do Aur Do Paanch starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor. The filmmaker has threatened strict legal action against media outlets spreading unverified information about the highly anticipated Ajay Devgn-Akshay Kumar starrer.
Table of Contents
What’s the Golmaal 5 Controversy?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rumored Inspiration | Do Aur Do Paanch (1980) |
| Original Cast | Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini |
| Golmaal 5 Cast | Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor |
| Shetty’s Response | “Factually incorrect, misleading, completely untrue” |
| Warning Issued | Strict legal action against unverified reports |
| Official PR | Universal Communications |
| Production Start | Expected March 2026 |
The Official Statement: Setting the Record Straight
On February 9, 2026, Rohit Shetty Picturez issued a stern clarification after several media outlets claimed that Golmaal 5 would be a modern reimagining of the beloved 1980 comedy. The statement pulled no punches in addressing the misinformation.
“We wish to issue a strict clarification regarding certain news reports currently circulating across online and digital media platforms claiming that Golmaal 5 is inspired by or based on the film Do Aur Do Paanch,” the statement read. “We categorically state that these reports are factually incorrect, misleading and completely untrue.”
The production house didn’t stop at denial—it issued a clear warning to media organizations: “Any news, update or clarification pertaining to Rohit Shetty or Golmaal 5 must be verified with us or the official PR representatives—Universal Communications—before publication, or strict legal action will be taken.”
Where Did the Rumor Start?
The speculation began after Bollywood Hungama published a report citing sources who claimed Rohit Shetty, known for his love of classic comedies, planned to base Golmaal 5 on Do Aur Do Paanch. The report noted Shetty’s history of drawing inspiration from vintage films:
– Golmaal Returns (2008) was inspired by Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973)
– Bol Bachchan (2012) drew from Golmaal (1979)
– Golmaal 3 (2010) was based on Khatta Meetha (1978)
Given this pattern, the speculation seemed plausible—especially when combined with reports that Akshay Kumar would join the franchise as an antagonist opposite regular star Ajay Devgn. The rumored plot described a Tom-and-Jerry-style rivalry between the two superstars, updated for contemporary audiences.
About Do Aur Do Paanch: The Classic in Question
Released in 1980, Do Aur Do Paanch starred Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor as rival petty criminals hired to kidnap a wealthy businessman’s son from boarding school. To execute the plan, they pose as teachers—Bachchan as the physical education instructor and Kapoor as the music teacher—leading to hilarious complications.
The film also featured Hema Malini, Parveen Babi, and Kader Khan in pivotal roles. Its blend of action, comedy, and rivalry made it a memorable entry in 1980s Bollywood cinema, though it wasn’t remade until now—contrary to recent reports.
Why Rohit Shetty Is Taking Legal Action
Shetty’s aggressive response stems from protecting his creative vision and maintaining professional credibility. False reports can:
Damage Box Office Expectations: If audiences believe Golmaal 5 is simply a remake, they might skip it in favor of original content.
Undermine Creative Effort: The director and writers invest years developing original stories; being falsely labeled as derivative undermines that work.
Create Legal Complications: Incorrect information about plot elements could complicate rights negotiations with original filmmakers or studios.
The statement concluded with a request for journalistic responsibility: “We expect your cooperation in maintaining journalistic accuracy and responsibility. We also request that incorrect reports currently in circulation be corrected or taken down at the earliest.”
The Golmaal Legacy: 20 Years of Laughter
The Golmaal franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, having launched with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited in 2006. That first film starred Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Sharman Joshi, Tusshar Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, and Rimi Sen, grossing over ₹50 crore—a massive success for its time.
Subsequent installments brought in new stars while retaining core cast members. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kunal Kemmu, Amrita Arora, Parineeti Chopra, and Tabu joined in later films. Golmaal Again (2017) crossed the ₹200 crore mark in India, cementing the franchise’s commercial dominance.
Golmaal is now the second film franchise in India with five parts, after Housefull. This achievement places it among Bollywood’s most successful intellectual properties.
What We Know About Golmaal 5
While plot details remain under wraps, confirmed information includes:
Cast: Ajay Devgn leads the ensemble, with reports suggesting Akshay Kumar may play the antagonist—a reunion of the two stars who’ve collaborated multiple times. Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu, and Shreyas Talpade are expected to return.
Production Timeline: Variety India reported filming could begin in March 2026, once Shetty completes Mission Chulbul Singham with John Abraham—a biopic on former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria.
Direction: Rohit Shetty will helm the film, continuing his streak as one of Bollywood’s most commercially successful directors.
Akshay Kumar as Antagonist?
One of the most exciting unconfirmed reports involves Akshay Kumar potentially playing the villain. While Shetty’s team hasn’t verified this casting, the prospect has fans buzzing. Akshay and Ajay have shared screen space in films like Suhaag (1994) and Khakee (2004), but never in a comic rivalry context.
Given Shetty’s track record of casting against type—like making Ranveer Singh a villain in Simmba (2018) before turning him heroic—Akshay’s potential antagonist role would be a fresh twist for the superstar’s comedy repertoire.
The Media’s Responsibility
This controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Bollywood productions and media outlets over unverified reporting. In the digital age, rumors spread rapidly through social media, fan pages, and aggregator sites—often without fact-checking.
Shetty’s legal warning sends a clear message: major productions will no longer tolerate speculative reporting presented as fact. His team’s insistence on verification through official channels (Universal Communications) sets a precedent other filmmakers may follow.
Fan Reactions: Mixed But Supportive
Bollywood fans on social media expressed mixed reactions. Some appreciated the clarification, while others admitted disappointment that a nostalgic remake won’t happen.
One Twitter user wrote: “Glad Rohit Sir is protecting his original vision. We trust him to deliver another blockbuster!” Another commented: “I was excited about the Do Aur Do Paanch angle, but honestly, original Golmaal content is always better.”
The incident has also sparked discussions about journalistic ethics, with many calling for stricter fact-checking before publishing casting and plot details.
What’s Next for Rohit Shetty?
Before diving into Golmaal 5, Shetty is wrapping up Mission Chulbul Singham (formerly titled Maria IPS), a real-life best cop drama featuring John Abraham as Rakesh Maria, the legendary IPS officer who solved the 1993 Bombay blasts case and 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Filming for this project is nearly complete, with an official release date announcement expected soon. Only after its theatrical run will Shetty shift full focus to Golmaal 5, ensuring each project receives dedicated attention.
FAQs
Is Golmaal 5 a remake of Do Aur Do Paanch?
No, Rohit Shetty’s team categorically denied this, calling such reports “factually incorrect and misleading.” The film has an original storyline unrelated to the 1980 classic.
When will Golmaal 5 start shooting?
Production is expected to begin in March 2026 after Rohit Shetty completes work on Mission Chulbul Singham with John Abraham. Official dates are yet to be announced.
