Bollywood powerhouse Akshay Kumar is officially venturing into uncharted territory. The actor has kicked off principal photography for his much-awaited survival-action thriller Samuk. Marking a massive cinematic departure from conventional action dramas, the project brings Kumar into the sci-fi horror and alien mythos space.
The film officially went on floors in London, with industry reports indicating that approximately 90 percent of the production schedule will be based across the UK, while the remaining portions will be wrapped up in Mumbai.
Samuk marks the seventh major collaboration between Akshay Kumar and producer-filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah, who have previously delivered iconic hits like Namastey London, Waqt: The Race Against Time, and Singh Is Kinng.
Taking to social media to announce the start of this new chapter, Akshay Kumar shared a glimpse with fans, writing:
“New genre. New character. New challenge. 🎬 Vivaan Ahuja reporting for duty. #Samuk filming begins today.”
The film has gone on floors in London, with reports suggesting that Akshay Kumar will complete a major shooting schedule across the United Kingdom.
Around 90 per cent of the film is reportedly planned to be shot across the UK, giving the production an international visual identity. The extensive schedule also reflects the scale required to create the film’s action-heavy and creature-driven world.
The decision to shoot extensively in the UK could allow the team to create diverse locations while maintaining the grounded military atmosphere that reportedly forms an important part of the narrative.
Directed by Kanishk Varma and co-produced by Aashin A Shah under the banner of Sunshine Pictures, the film has been in development for over two years. It is being mounted as a large-scale pan-Indian theatrical release, targeting a global audience.
What sets Samuk apart from standard Bollywood blockbusters is its heavy reliance on international technical expertise and practical effects rather than complete computer-generated imagery (CGI).
- The Central Monster: The makers have brought on board Academy Award-nominated creature effects designer Alec Gillis—renowned for his work on Hollywood creature-driven milestones like the Alien and Predator franchises, including Alien: Romulus—to design the central alien entity.
- High-Octane Stunts: British action director Luke Tumber is heading the stunt choreography, ensuring that the military realism and physical combat sequences match the film’s gritty survival tone.
Director Kanishk Varma noted that the project draws inspiration from elite security forces (SPG units) and timeless tactical horror films, aiming to deliver an old-school, tactile cinematic experience.
With a single extended schedule planned to wrap up the bulk of the UK production, Samuk is moving swiftly toward its post-production phase. The film is officially slated for a grand theatrical release in 2027. As Akshay Kumar steps into a completely fresh avatar as Vivaan Ahuja, fans can expect an unprecedented blend of military grit and cosmic terror on the big screen.
By: Bollyo
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