Filmmaker Rohit Shetty is set to break away from a long-standing formula with ‘Golmaal 5’, as the upcoming installment of the popular comedy franchise will not feature a romantic subplot for its lead star Ajay Devgn. The move marks a notable shift in tone for a series that has consistently paired its protagonist with a female lead across previous films.

According to a UNI report, this is the first time in the ‘Golmaal’ franchise that the central character will not have a love interest. While actor Priyamani is part of the film, her role does not involve any romantic angle with Devgn or other members of the cast, making it a clear departure from the established template.

The earlier films in the franchise—‘Golmaal: Fun Unlimited’, ‘Golmaal Returns’, ‘Golmaal 3’, and ‘Golmaal Again’—all featured prominent female leads opposite Devgn, including Rimi Sen, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Parineeti Chopra. The absence of a romantic track in the fifth installment signals a conscious effort to refresh the narrative and focus more on ensemble-driven comedy.

The film brings back the franchise’s core cast, including Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu, and Shreyas Talpade, with Sharman Joshi also returning to the fold. Adding a fresh twist, Akshay Kumar joins the ensemble in a negative comic role, introducing a new dynamic to the chaos-driven storyline.

With the franchise completing two decades this year and having collectively earned over ₹600 crore worldwide, ‘Golmaal 5’ is being positioned as its most ambitious outing yet. Currently under production, the film aims for a theatrical release in early 2027, promising a bigger scale and an evolved narrative while retaining the signature humour that has defined the series.