Akshay Kumar to lead alien thriller Samuk, Hollywood stunt experts join

Actor Akshay Kumar has signed director Kanish Varma's alien thriller Samuk. The film, produced by Vipul Shah and co-produced by Aashin A Shah is being developed as a large-scale pan-Indian theatrical release for 2027. The producers have said that the film will blend survival horror and alien thriller elements.

Varma, known for Sanak, Inside Edge and Glory, has spent more than two years developing the film with Shah, according to reports. The upcoming alien thriller also brings in an international technical team, with creature effects designer Alec Gillis attached to design the alien creature and British stunt coordinator Luke Tumber set to oversee the action. The producers are focusing on practical effects, with the creature designed to exist physically on set rather than relying entirely on CGI.

While speaking about the film, Vipul Shah said, "We always try to challenge ourselves with different genres, and Samuk is something Indian cinema hasn’t attempted before. Our aim is to create



a world-class alien thriller for audiences."

Varma said the film grew out of his interest in elite security forces and science-fiction horror films. "Samuk was born from my love for the SPG world and survival thrillers like Alien and Predator. Bringing those influences together with Akshay sir has been surreal," he said.

On the use of practical effects, he added, "I always wanted the creature to feel physically real on set. That old-school tactile horror is what made films like Alien timeless."

Sources close to the production described Samuk as a survival alien thriller combining practical creature effects, military realism and old-school horror aesthetics inspired by Alien and Predator.

Akshay Kumar confirmed that he is part of the film, saying, "Yes, I've signed this film. I found the script and subject of Samuk fascinating. Alien thriller is a totally new genre for me and also for our films. I am very excited about it."