Speculation around Imran Khan’s long-awaited Bollywood comeback has hit fever pitch and with good reason. Aamir Khan Productions dropped the announcement video for Happy Patel: Khatarnakh Jasoos, and fans were stunned to spot Imran in a blink-and-miss appearance. After nearly ten years away from the screen, even a few seconds were enough to send shockwaves across the fans.
This film is momentous for Vir Das as he is set to make his directorial debut. The film stars the comedian in the lead role alongside Mona Singh. The unique announcement video shows Vir Das trying to justify the film to a visibly unimpressed Aamir Khan. The actor is seen complaining about the lack of action, romance and even an item song which portrays the debut director as the ‘item girl’. Moments later, audiences pour out of a theatre praising exactly those elements. This sets the irreverent tone of the comedy-mystery.
But the real surprise comes at the end, where Vir Das, Mona Singh and Imran Khan appear in character, confirming the film’s release date: January 16, 2026. While Imran only features in a special appearance, the cameo marks his first on-screen moment since Katti Batti in 2015.
Imran, who rose to fame with rom-com favourites Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, I Hate Luv Storys and Break Ke Baad, stepped back from acting after his 2015 release underperformed. He later directed a short film, Mission Mars, in 2018. Over the past year, reports suggested the actor was quietly preparing for a full-fledged return, including a Netflix romantic dramedy starring Bhumi Pednekar and Gurfateh Pirzada. The film is being directed by Break Ke Baad filmmaker Danish Aslam. A viral clapboard photo shared by film journalist Rahul Raut all but confirmed the project.
Imran has spoken openly about his hiatus, describing it not as an exit but as a chapter spent dealing with personal upheavals. He also spoke about his divorce and his need to reconnect with himself. He sees his return as a “natural progression,” shaped by life more than career strategy.
As for Happy Patel, Vir Das leads the cast, reuniting with Aamir Khan Productions years after Delhi Belly. And with Imran Khan tucked cleverly into the narrative, even briefly, fans finally have their clearest sign yet: the comeback arc is real, and it has begun.
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