As AI continues to reshape the filmmaking landscape, one upcoming Indian sci-fi thriller is charting a bolder course, bringing a chilling extraterrestrial world to life with the expertise of two Hollywood heavyweights who have left their mark on iconic franchises like ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ (2025), ‘Venom’ (2018), the ‘Alien’ series, and the ‘Predator’ series. Leading the charge in front of the camera is one of the biggest action icons in Indian cinema.
Kanishk Varma to direct ‘Samuk ’, Vipul Shah returns as producer
According to Hindustan Times, the project is titled ‘Samuk’, with Akshay playing the lead role. The film is directed by Kanishk Varma and produced by Akshay Kumar, Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Ashin Shah. It also marks the reunion of Akshay and Vipul after 12 years.
Luke Tumber, stunt coordinator of ‘Mission: Impossible’, joins ‘Samuk’
One of the most notable international talents aboard ‘Samuk’ is Hollywood stunt coordinator Luke Tumber, a former Royal Marines Commando with an impressive roster of credits spanning ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’, ‘Venom’, ‘No Time To Die’ (2021), and ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019). Sharing his thoughts with Hindustan Times, Tumber says, “This project represents an exciting fusion of international stunt expertise, visionary filmmaking, and authentic action cinema, and I’m proud to be part of bringing that vision to life. Together, we aim to deliver a film that combines powerful storytelling with cutting-edge live-action sequences that will resonate with audiences internationally.” The veteran coordinator has also been vocal in his admiration for Akshay, calling him “widely recognised as the Action Hero of India.”
Alien franchise’s Alec Gillis to design Samuk’s creature
Beyond the grand action set pieces, the filmmakers are pouring significant resources into creature design as well. Leading the alien creation for the film is Alec Gillis, an Academy Award-nominated creature-effects maestro celebrated for his contributions to the ‘Alien’ franchise (including Alien: Romulus, 2024), the ‘Predator’ franchise, ‘Smile 2’ (2024), and ‘Tremors’ (1990). Gillis has revealed that Samuk’s monster will be a wholly original creation, brought to life through practical effects built exclusively for the film.“Together Kanishk and I designed the title character, which is truly a unique alien horror. In an era of CGI and Al. it is gratifying that directors and audiences still value handcrafted, human-made traditional monsters,” he says.
Alec Gillis compares Akshay Kumar to Jason Statham and Tom Cruise
Talking about working with Akshay, Gillis adds, “He has the physicality of Jason Statham and the likeability of Tom Cruise! My goal is to create an alien nemesis in Samuk whose energy and screen charisma equal Mr Kumar’s. Defeating this new classic movie monster will not be an easy task, even for him”
Akshay Kumar confirms ‘Samuk’: ‘Sci-fi alien thriller is a totally new genre for me’
Akshay also himself puts all speculation to rest. “Yes, I’ve signed this film. I found the script and subject of Samuk fascinating. Sci-fi alien thriller is a totally new genre for me and also for our films. I am very excited about it,” he shares.With two experienced Hollywood professionals on board to handle its action and alien design, ‘Samuk’ looks to be one of the few Indian films to seriously take on large-scale alien horror with a global outlook.
