'OMG 3' Alert! Who Will Star Alongside Akshay Kumar? Our 5 Top Picks

Following in the footsteps of Paresh Rawal in the first film and Pankaj Tripathi in the second, the casting of the third protagonist will be critical, and we have explored five names who can take over the mantle.

OMG 3

The OMG franchise has gradually carved out a unique space in contemporary Hindi cinema—a space that is satirical, socially reflective, and philosophical in its undertone. From the quiet but sharp-tongued OMG! Oh My God (2012), which made an unexpectedly strong impact both critically and commercially, to the more ambitious and thematically bolder OMG 2 - Oh My God! 2 (2023), the series has continued to push conversations about faith, systems, and individual agency.

With OMG 3 now officially in its earliest stages, speculation has begun to simmer—what direction will the story take? What new theme will the narrative explore? And most pressingly, who will lead the story? While Akshay Kumar is expected to return in a recurring “god-like” presence, a tradition established across both previous installments, the heart of these films has always been the protagonist—an ordinary individual pulled into extraordinary circumstances, grappling with spiritual or social institutions.

Director Amit Rai, who steered OMG 2 to its bold and controversial reception, was recently spotted with Kumar on the sets of Bhooth Bangla. Reports suggest that Rai discussed a few early ideas with the actor, who responded positively. With scripting underway, we now find ourselves at the ideal moment to explore potential names who could bring something fresh and layered to the next chapter. Following in the footsteps of Paresh Rawal in the first film and Pankaj Tripathi in the second, the casting of the third protagonist will be critical to how the narrative lands—emotionally, intellectually, and tonally.

Below, we look at five actors who could take on this role with credibility, charm, and substance, each bringing their own style and legacy into the mix.

Anupam Kher: The Stoic Voice of Reason

Anupam Kher: The Stoic Voice of Reason

Anupam Kher has spent decades cultivating a career that’s as diverse as it is dependable. Whether portraying a reserved academic, a conflicted parent, or a witty supporting character, Kher has always carried with him a deep sense of believability. He has the temperament and command to lead a film like OMG 3, where the challenge is not to merely act but to anchor ideological tension.

His previous work with Akshay Kumar—in Special 26, Baby, and others—has shown that their dynamic is one built on mutual rhythm. They know how to share screen space without overwhelming each other, a key element for a franchise that often relies on balanced dialogues rather than dramatic confrontations. With Kher, OMG 3 could find a protagonist who speaks not through volume but through reflection, embodying a rationalist voice navigating a world of chaos.

Boman Irani: A Fresh Counterpoint

Boman Irani: A Fresh Counterpoint

Boman Irani is another actor who could bring a refined sense of presence to the franchise. Often cast in roles that teeter between authority and comedy, Irani has proven time and again that he can navigate characters who exist in morally grey areas. His performances in films like Waqt: The Race Against Time and Lage Raho Munna Bhai have showcased his ability to hold both dramatic gravity and lighter moments within a single frame.

While Irani and Kumar have worked together in the Housefull films and other projects, those collaborations have largely leaned toward the comic spectrum. OMG 3 would offer them a different kind of stage—one that focuses on inner dilemmas, philosophical reckonings, and societal observations. It would be a change of pace for both, and perhaps one worth pursuing. Irani’s articulate style of delivery and subtle facial acting make him an ideal candidate for a character who is meant to question existing norms without ever becoming preachy.

Nana Patekar: Intensity Meets Satire

Boman Irani: A Fresh Counterpoint

Nana Patekar is a name that doesn’t come up often in mainstream franchises these days, but his presence would be instantly recognisable and undeniably strong. Patekar has always been known for bringing a sense of realism and emotional depth to his roles. His performances often exude intensity, but he is equally capable of pulling off situational humour and irony with finesse.

While his only on-screen collaboration with Akshay Kumar was in Welcome, their interactions in that film left a lasting impression. What makes Patekar an interesting possibility for OMG 3 is that he naturally embodies the kind of internal conflict that the franchise thrives on—a man who can be torn between personal belief and social narrative, speaking with equal power in silence and in rage. Given the right script, Patekar could deliver a performance that is not only impactful but also thought-provoking, possibly reviving the more grounded, hard-hitting tone of the original OMG.

Govinda: The Wildcard with Unexplored Depth

Nana Patekar: Intensity Meets Satire

Govinda’s name may raise some eyebrows in a list like this, especially given the genre and intellectual tone the OMG films usually carry. However, looking at his career holistically, Govinda has always had more range than he’s often credited for. Known largely for his impeccable comic timing and dance-driven entertainers, there have been moments in his filmography—like Hatya or Swarg—that hinted at a dramatic capability waiting to be fully explored.

He’s also one of the few major stars from the ’90s who hasn’t had a major second act in recent years. A film like OMG 3 could provide just that. The story could easily accommodate a character who starts off light-hearted or passive, only to find himself compelled to engage with deeper moral or social issues. A reunion with Akshay Kumar, reminiscent of their camaraderie in Bhagam Bhag, would also give audiences a fresh point of nostalgia. For Govinda, this could be a role that not only revives his career but also reshapes his screen identity.

Sanjay Dutt: Reinvention Through Restraint

Govinda: The Wildcard with Unexplored Depth

Of all the names mentioned here, Sanjay Dutt might seem the most unexpected. Known for his towering persona and commanding screen presence, Dutt has often been cast in roles that highlight his physicality or aura—whether as the intense anti-hero or the larger-than-life antagonist. In recent years, however, that persona has begun to feel overused, particularly in films like KGF 2, Shamshera, and Leo, where he seems to have fallen into a pattern of recurring character tropes.

Munnabhai MBBS and its sequel offered a brief but brilliant glimpse into what Dutt could do when playing a more grounded, introspective character. Unfortunately, with the third film in that franchise indefinitely stalled, Dutt remains in search of a compelling reinvention. That’s where OMG 3 might come in.

The film’s tone—part-satire, part-social commentary—could benefit from someone who brings weight but is willing to underplay it. Dutt as a man disillusioned with institutions, or perhaps someone navigating a crisis of faith or redemption, could be an inspired choice. He and Kumar have appeared together in Blue, Samrat Prithviraj, and will soon share space again in Housefull 5, but OMG 3 would allow for a different kind of chemistry. One that is less theatrical and more character-driven. And let’s face it—after something like Bhootnii, a film like this might be exactly the kind of course correction Dutt’s trajectory needs.

Looking Ahead

As of now, OMG 3 is in the idea phase. But the foundation of the franchise—introspective narratives wrapped in social commentary—remains intact. With Kumar expected to reprise his role in a divine form, the franchise will once again need a strong mortal counterpart—someone capable of grounding the film emotionally while carrying its philosophical core.

Whether the final pick is Kher, Irani, Patekar, Govinda, Dutt—or someone entirely unexpected—the casting will be pivotal. It will shape not just the direction of the story but also how it resonates with audiences.

This franchise has shown a rare ability to blend commercial viability with thematic depth. If the next protagonist can reflect that same balance, OMG 3 might just continue the legacy in a way that feels both fresh and familiar.

Who do you think should step into the spotlight this time? Let us know in the comments.

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