Akshay Kumar is set to headline one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious sci-fi action thrillers with Samuk, a large-scale alien survival film directed by Kanishk Varma and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. Positioned as a major theatrical event for 2027, the film will see Akshay returning to a full-fledged high-intensity action role in a genre rarely explored in mainstream Indian cinema.
Known for projects like Sanak, Inside Edge and Glory, Kanishk Varma has reportedly spent more than two years developing the film alongside Vipul Shah. Samuk blends survival horror, military realism and alien thriller elements, drawing inspiration from cult Hollywood classics such as Alien and Predator.
Akshay Kumar confirmed his involvement in the project and expressed excitement about entering an entirely new genre space. “Yes, I’ve signed this film. I found the script and subject of Samuk fascinating. Alien thriller is a totally new genre for me and also for our films. I am very excited about it,” the actor shared.
Director Kanishk Varma revealed that the film was conceived with Akshay Kumar in mind as the central force of the story. According to him, combining grounded military action with survival horror felt like the perfect fit for the actor’s screen presence and physicality.
The project has also assembled a major international technical crew. Acclaimed Hollywood creature effects designer Alec Gillis, known for his work on the Alien and Predator franchises, has joined the film to create its alien creature using practical effects rather than relying entirely on CGI. Gillis praised Akshay Kumar’s action persona, saying the actor possesses “the physicality of Jason Statham and the likeability of Tom Cruise.”
Gillis further added that the biggest challenge is designing a monster powerful enough to match Akshay Kumar’s screen charisma. He described the film’s alien creature as a unique predator built to become a memorable cinematic nemesis for the actor.
The action sequences will be designed by British stunt coordinator Luke Tumber, whose credits include Mission: Impossible, No Time to Die and Venom. Tumber called Akshay Kumar “widely recognised as the action hero of India” and said working with him on such a grounded and intense action film is extremely exciting.
Unlike many modern sci-fi films, Samuk will reportedly focus heavily on practical creature effects to create a more immersive horror experience. The makers aim to blend old-school monster movie aesthetics with large-scale cinematic storytelling, positioning the film as a global-standard Indian action thriller.
Produced by Vipul Shah and co-produced by Aashin A Shah, Samuk is currently in development and is expected to go on floors soon. With Akshay Kumar leading the film, the project is already generating strong curiosity among fans eager to see the actor in a completely new genre avatar.
