After a 12-year gap, Akshay Kumar and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah are set to reunite, and they are doing it in the most unexpected way possible. The two are teaming up for ‘Samuk’, a film described as India’s first large-scale alien survival thriller, marking a bold and exciting new chapter for both of them.
Akshay Kumar takes a trip down memory lane
In a candid conversation with Variety India, the actor looked back fondly on their journey together while also poking fun at their shared past. “After 12 years, Vipul and I are coming together again. We’ve done some great films together like ‘Aankhen’ (2002), ‘Waqt: The Race Against Time’ (2005), ‘Namastey London’ (2007) and ‘Singh Is Kinng’ (2008) and many others,” notes Kumar, quipping, “And yes, we’ve also done a legendary film called ‘Action Replayy’.“
‘Samuk’ to blend creature horror
‘Samuk’ is shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. The film is being crafted as an alien survival action thriller that brings together elements of creature horror, military realism and old-school suspense, drawing inspiration from celebrated Hollywood franchises such as ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’. Kanishk Varma, known for his work on ‘Sanak’ and the popular series ‘Inside Edge’, has been brought on board to direct the project. If reports are to be believed, the cameras are expected to roll as early as August this year, with the makers setting their sights on a theatrical release sometime in 2027.
Akshay Kumar on why ‘Samuk’ had to be made at an international level
For Akshay, ‘Samuk’ was never just about trying something new, it was about going all out and doing it in a way that truly stands apart. The actor made it clear that from day one, the goal was to deliver something on a scale that Indian audiences have simply never witnessed before. He said, “We are entering a completely new genre that nobody has attempted before. It’s an alien thriller we are launching with ‘Samuk.'” And that vision did not stop at the story alone, Kumar was equally determined to raise the bar behind the camera. “My thing with Vipul was very clear. If we are entering this genre, then we have to make it at an international level. That’s why we have brought in an international crew for the film. ‘Samuk’ is the first of its kind and that was very important for us from the beginning,” he added.
‘Samuk’ brings in Hollywood’s finest for creature work and action
The team behind ‘Samuk’ reads like a who’s who of international talent. Alec Gillis, a seasoned Hollywood veteran who has left his mark on iconic franchises like ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’, has been roped in to bring the film’s creature to life. Joining him is action specialist Luke Tumber, a name associated with some of the biggest productions on the global stage. Adding to the intrigue, the makers are reportedly choosing to rely heavily on practical creature work and grand action sequences over computer-generated imagery, giving the film a raw and visceral edge that sets it apart.
‘Samuk’ marks Akshay Kumar’s boldest genre leap yet
For someone like Akshay, who has effortlessly hopped between comedy, historical epics and action blockbusters over the years, ‘Samuk’ feels like uncharted territory in the best possible way. This could very well be the most daring genre experiment of his long and varied career. And while the rest of the industry seems content chasing established universes and bankable IPs, the makers of ‘Samuk’ appear to be playing an entirely different game, one built around the promise of something completely fresh, unexpected and unseen. An alien no one has seen before.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah on reuniting with Akshay Kumar for ‘Samuk’
Vipul A Shah shared, “I am excited to reunite with Akshay and bring him back in the action space. Kanishk Varma worked on the film for two years and then pitched it to Akshay. He instantly loved it. We will leave no stone unturned to make it the most exciting experience for the audiences.”
