Akshay Kumar signs sci-fi horror film

Akshay Kumar’s newly surfaced sci-fi horror project now has a title, a director and a producing team. Hindustan Times reported on May 24 that the film is titled “Samuk,” with Kumar in the lead, after social-media posts on May 23 had circulated more limited claims that he had signed an alien-themed horror film. The report said Kanishk Varma will direct and that Kumar is producing with Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Ashin Shah. No production start date, release window or distributor was named. ### What exactly has been confirmed about the film? Hindustan Times said on May 24 that “Samuk” is an “alien-thriller” starring Akshay Kumar. The outlet reported that the project is directed by Kanishk Varma and produced by Kumar, Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Ashin Shah. (hindustantimes.com) Akshay Kumar also confirmed to the outlet that he is part of the film. In remarks carried by Hindustan Times, Kumar said it is “a totally new genre” for him, indicating the project is being positioned as a departure within his current lineup. ### Where did the story first surface? (hindustantimes.com) An X post shared on May 23 by the account akki_dhoni said Kumar had signed a sci-fi horror film involving aliens, but it did not provide a title, director, production timeline or release plan, according to the source briefing provided for this story. The fuller set of details appeared in follow-up reporting published on May 24. (hindustantimes.com) May 24 reporting also moved the story beyond social-media chatter by naming the film and the core creative team. That is the first sourced report located in this review that ties Kumar to “Samuk” specifically. ### Who else is attached besides Akshay Kumar? (hindustantimes.com) Kanishk Varma was named by Hindustan Times as director. The same report said Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Ashin Shah are producing alongside Kumar. Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s involvement is notable because the report said the film reunites Shah and Kumar after 12 years. (hindustantimes.com) Hindustan Times did not, in the lines reviewed, identify a studio or streaming platform backing the project. ### What kind of movie are the makers describing? (hindustantimes.com) Hindustan Times reported that the film is being built as an alien horror project with practical creature work. The outlet said Hollywood stunt coordinator Luke Tumber and creature-effects artist Alec Gillis are attached to the production. (hindustantimes.com) Alec Gillis told the outlet that he and Varma designed the title character as a “unique alien horror,” while Luke Tumber described the film as a mix of international stunt expertise and live-action action filmmaking. Those comments point to a creature-driven genre film rather than a conventional supernatural horror setup. (hindustantimes.com) ### What is still missing from the announcement? No release date was disclosed in the May 24 report. No filming schedule, cast list beyond Kumar, or distribution arrangement was identified either. The next verifiable milestone will be a formal production announcement, casting update or first-look material from Akshay Kumar, Kanishk Varma or the producers Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Ashin Shah. (hindustantimes.com)