Akki to distribute his film in India

Akshay Kumar to himself distribute his Canadian co-production film Break Away in India. The film cast includes Anupam Kher, Russell Peters...

Even before a single frame of his Canadian co-production

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Break Away

had been shot, Akshay Kumar had started chalking out its release plans. After tying up with Alliance Films to distribute it as a mainstream Hollywood film, the actor will now release the movie in India himself. Robert Lieberman’s cross-cultural hockey drama, set in the Indo-Canadian community in Toronto, stars Vinay Virmani, Camila Belle, Anupam Kher, Russel Peters and Rob Lowe.

Kumar says, “

Break Away

will be released globally next winter. I have a unique vision on how to bring it out, but it’s too early to discuss that now.” The crew started shooting only on September 20.

Interestingly, the casting changes, quite common to Bollywood, seem to have rubbed off on

Break Away

too. Reportedly, Emily VanCamp was first confirmed to play Virmani’s leading lady, but eventually Camila Belle was signed on.

“We were in talks with Emily and other actresses including Camila, and we found her to fit the role perfectly. She was always one of our top choices even while the script was being written,” says Kumar.

Bring professional

Considering his passion for sports and that the film is set against the backdrop of ice hockey, one can’t help but wonder why Kumar, too, isn’t starring in it. However, he maintains that an actor needs to know what role to play and when.

“I’m a huge sports enthusiast, but I also need to look at who is best suited for the role,” he says, stressing on the fact that he can’t just act because the film will have an international release. “I have to ensure that the film remains on the top of the priority list, and that it’s the right subject for the right director and the right cast. That is what makes a film successful,” he says.