Akshay Kumar 'inspired' by Natwarlal

Akshay Kumar’s character in Neeraj Pandey’s next is based on the famous conman Natwarlal. “In Special 26, Akshay will be seen using a lot of aliases. His character is a master of disguises and uses novel ideas to dupe people. And like Natwarlal, he also...

It’s well-known that Akshay Kumar’s Special 26 is based on a real-life 1987 heist.

Also, it’s interesting that Akshay plays Ajay Singh — a take on Mon Singh (the name used by an unknown man posing as a CBI officer during the heist) — the leader of the 26-men team.

But now, we have heard that his character sketch will borrow elements from India’s notorious conman Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, better known as Natwarlal.

“It’s not a direct portrayal, but some of Mithilesh’s characteristics have been weaved into the character,” says an insider close to the project. In 1979, the conman’s story had also inspired an Amitabh Bachchan-starrer, Mr Natwarlal.

“In Special 26, Akshay will be seen using a lot of aliases. His character is a master of disguises and uses novel ideas to dupe people. And like Natwarlal, he also cheats industrialists and rich people,” says the insider, adding, “If you make a film on a conman in India, you’re bound to be inspired by Natwarlal.”

When asked to comment on his role, Akshay Kumar only says, “You can write whatever you want to. But right now, I don’t want to react (to any stories on Special 26).”