Bollywood

After Aamir Khan, it’s Akshay Kumar

Prashant Singh, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, October 04, 2012

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First Published: 12:50 IST(4/10/2012)
Last Updated: 16:19 IST(4/10/2012)

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After staying away from Joker promotional events, Akshay Kumar is back on a promotional spree! The actor poses at a press conference of his upcoming production venture OMG Oh My God in Ahmedabad on September 24. (AP Photo)

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ould Akshay Kumar be counting his chickens even before they hatch? After riding on the wave of success of this year’s blockbuster Rowdy Rathore (a remake of the Telugu hit Vikramarkudu, 2006), the actor has now teamed up with filmmaker AR Murugadoss to star in another remake — this time of the

Tamil film, Thuppakki, which, incidentally, hasn’t yet released (it will hit theatres around Diwali). The actor will also co-produce the remake along with Vipul Shah. The shooting will begin early next year.

This is perhaps the first time that the Hindi adaptation of a vernacular film has been confirmed even before the original hits the theatres. According to an insider, since Akshay and Vipul were very impressed with the storyline, they didn’t want to waste any time. Apparently, the script for the yet-untitled film, to be made under Akshay’s banner Hari Om Entertainment and Shah’s Sunshine Pictures, has been tweaked to suit a pan-Indian audience.

The Thuppakki remake will also mark the comeback of Ghajini (2008) director Murugadoss in Bollywood after a gap of five years. “A number of Bollywood stars wanted to work with Murugadoss after Ghajini, but he was very impressed with Akshay’s enthusiasm towards his work. The plan for this film was finalised early this year, but everything has been kept under wraps,” adds the insider. With this project, Shah, who has worked with Akshay on multiple films like Namastey London (2007), Singh Is Kinng (2008) and Action Replayy (2010), is teaming up with the actor after almost three years. “Besides Thuppakki, Akshay will also star in the Hindi remake of Tamil hit Ramana (2002), which will be produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali Production,” says the insider.

That’s not all. Next year, the actor will be seen in Naam Hai Boss, a remake of the Malayalam superhit Pokkiri Raja (2010). Neither Murugadoss nor Akshay could be reached for a comment.

Who’s the girl?
The top three actors in the running for the female lead opposite Akshay

Parineeti Chopra
The Ishaqzaade actor is believed to have a high chance of bagging the role.

Vidya Balan
She worked with Akshay in two big hits, Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) and Heyy Babyy (2007).

Sonakshi Sinha
The Dabangg (2010) star has acted with Akshay in Joker and OMG Oh My God. Next up is Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2.