Manoj Bajpayee and Neeraj Pandey are teaming up once again. PeepingMoon.com has exclusively learned that Bajpayee will headline Pandey’s next production for the streaming giant Netflix, marking their first collaboration in seven years. The duo has previously worked together on critically acclaimed films such as ‘Special 26’, ‘Naam Shabana’, ‘Aiyaary’, and ‘Missing’. 

Plot and other specific details are kept under wraps, but sources describe this project as a gripping, edge-of-the-seat thriller set against the backdrop of Indian intelligence agencies. Pandey will produce this film under his Friday Filmworks banner, while the directorial responsibilities have been handed to Ritesh Shah, a seasoned screenplay writer renowned for penning celebrated films like ‘Kahaani’, ‘Sardar Udham’, ‘Pink’, ‘Raid’, ‘Airlift’, ‘Batla House’, ‘D-Day’, and the recently released John Abraham starrer ‘The Diplomat’. 

Shah will make his directorial debut with this film, marking his transition into filmmaking after nearly two decades of career as a screenplay and dialogue writer. Direction has long been an aspiration for Shah, and under the production and supervision of Pandey — whose diverse filmography includes acclaimed titles like ‘A Wednesday’ and ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story’ — he is finally fulfilling his long-cherished ambition.

Apart from Bajpayee, this yet-untitled film is expected to feature an ensemble of prominent Bollywood actors in the pivotal role, though their casting is still underway. While Kay Kay Menon was also rumoured to be a part of this film, sources clarify that he is not doing it. Pre-production has already begun, with principal photography slated to commence by the end of April. The film is targeting an OTT premiere on Netflix in early 2026.

This latest project continues Bajpayee’s strong association with Netflix, marking his fifth project with the platform following ‘Mrs. Serial Killer’, ‘Ray’, ‘Killer Soup’, and the upcoming ‘Inspector Zende’, where he portrays the officer who twice apprehended the notorious Charles Sobhraj. For Neeraj Pandey, it marks his fourth Netflix project following the success of two seasons of ‘Khakee’ and ‘Sikandar Ka Muqaddar’. 

Looking ahead, Bajpayee will next feature in the much-awaited third season of Amazon Prime Video’s ‘The Family Man’, which is expected to premiere around Diwali. He is also set to star in Shekhar Kapoor's ‘Masoom: The New Generation’ alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Nitya Menon, and Kaveri Kapur. As for Pandey, his next directorial venture is the second season of ‘Special OPS’, set to premiere on Jio Hotstar mid-this year.