After a gap of 12 years, Akshay Kumar and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah they are ready to meet, and they are doing it in the most unexpected way possible. The two are coming together for ‘Samuk’, a film described as a large-scale alien survival thriller from India, which marks a bold and exciting new chapter for both of them.
Akshay Kumar takes a trip down memory lane
In a candid chat with Variety India, the actor looked back fondly on their journey together while also laughing about their shared past. “After 12 years, Vipul and I are coming together again. We have done great films together, ‘Aankhen’ (2002), ‘Waqt: The Race Against Time’ (2005), ‘Namastey London’ (2007) and ‘Singh Is Kinng’ (2008) and many more,” said Kumar yesction, we have also made a legendary film. Reproduction’.“
To confuse the fear of ‘Samuk’ creatures
‘Samuk’ will be a unique cinematic experience. The film is being developed as an alien survival action thriller that combines elements of creature horror, military realism and old school suspense inspired by famous Hollywood franchises like ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’. Kanishk VarmaKnown for his work in ‘Sanak’ and popular series ‘Inside Edge’, he has been roped in to direct the project. If reports are to be believed, the cameras are expected to roll as early as August this year, and the makers are eyeing a theatrical release in 2027.
Akshay Kumar on why ‘Samuk’ should have been made internationally
For Akshay, “Samuk” was never just about trying something new, it was about going all out and doing it in a way that really stands out. The actor made it clear from day one that the aim was to deliver something on a scale that Indian audiences have never seen before. He said, “We are entering a completely new genre that no one has attempted. We are launching an alien thriller with ‘Samuk’.” And that vision didn’t just stop at the story, Kumar was determined to raise the bar behind the camera. “My thing with Vipul was very clear. If we are entering this genre, we have to do it internationally. That’s why we have brought an international team for the film. ‘Samuk’ is the first of its kind and that was very important to us from the beginning,” he added.
‘Samuk’ brings the best of Hollywood action and creature action
The team behind ‘Samuk’ reads like a who’s who of international talent. Alec GillisThe seasoned Hollywood veteran, who has left his mark on iconic franchises such as ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’, is roped in to bring the film’s creature to life. He is joined by action specialist Luke Tumber, a name associated with some of the world’s biggest productions. Adding to the intrigue, the filmmakers are choosing to rely on practical creature work and big action sequences over CGI, giving the film a raw, visceral edge that sets it apart.
“Samuk” marks Akshay Kumar’s boldest genre leap
For someone like Akshay, who has effortlessly bounced between comedies, historical epics and action blockbusters over the years, ‘Samuk’ feels like uncharted territory in the best possible way. It could very well be the most daring genre experiment of his long and varied career. And while the rest of the industry seems to be chasing content after established universes and banked IPs, the makers of ‘Samuk’ seem to be playing a completely different game, built around the promise of something completely fresh, unexpected and unseen. A foreigner that no one has seen.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah on teaming up with Akshay Kumar for ‘Samuk’
Vipul A Shah shared, “I am excited to team up with Akshay and get back into the action space. Kanishk Varma worked on the film for two years and then introduced it to Akshay. He loved it instantly. We will leave no stone unturned to make it the most exciting experience for the audience.”
