Vidya Balan, the veteran actor, is set for the big screen again after bringing back the iconic Manjulika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in 2024. She has begun work on a new Tamil film with filmmaker R. Balki. This project comes after 17 years since Vidya and Balki’s last collaboration, Paa.
Vidya Balan took to Instagram to announce her new project. She shared a picture of herself holding a script and writing, “New Beginnings #NewTamilFilm with #RBalki.”
The untitled project marks Balki’s first Tamil directorial venture and adds another South Indian film to Balan’s current slate. Details about the plot, title, supporting cast and release date have not been announced yet.
However, social media users have decoded Vidya Balan’s first glimpse through her story with a long braid and spectacles, but there has been no official confirmation that this is her character’s final look.
What Is Vidya Balan and R Balki’s New Film About?
The details about the film, its cast, and the plot have not been officially confirmed by the makers. For now, the only confirmed information is that the shooting of the film has started.
Vidya Balan is confirmed to be in the cast of the new Tamil film, with R. Balki as the director.
The project is nevertheless a significant addition to Balan’s Tamil filmography. She previously made a cameo in Ajith Kumar’s Nerkonda Paarvai in 2019 and is now part of Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2.
It also brings Balan back into Balki’s world after they collaborated on Cheeni Kum and Paa.
Vidya Balan Sharing Glimpse Of Her Upcoming Movie With R. Balki (Image Credit: TDJ Graphics)
Vidya Balan’s Upcoming Movies
Balan’s immediate slate already includes two films with confirmed theatrical plans.
| Film | Director | Cast | Release Date |
| Jailer 2 | Nelson Dilipkumar | Rajinikanth, Vidya Balan, S. J. Suryah | October 15, 2026 |
| Untitled Anees Bazmee film | Anees Bazmee | Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Raashii Khanna | December 4, 2026 |
| Untitled R. Balki film | R. Balki | Official reports confirm only Vidya Balan | To Be Announced |
1. Jailer 2
Rajinikanth-led sequel Jailer 2 is directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Jailer 2 is scheduled to release worldwide on October 15, 2026. Sun Pictures has officially listed Vidya Balan in the cast as Kantha.
Glimpses of Vidya Balan as Kantha have shown her making a striking entrance in a blue saree, carrying a cigarette as she walks down the staircase. Then she faces Rajinikanth’s character in a tense exchange.
2. Untitled Anees Bazmee-Akshay Kumar film
Balan will also reunite with Akshay Kumar in an untitled comedy directed by Anees Bazmee. Raashii Khanna is also part of the cast, and the film is scheduled to release in theatres on December 4, 2026.
The makers have not publicly revealed a detailed character profile for Balan in the Bazmee film.
With Jailer 2, her upcoming Anees Bazmee comedy with Akshay Kumar, and a new Tamil film with R. Balki, Vidya Balan has a varied slate lined up across languages and genres. Which Vidya Balan project are you looking forward to the most?