Pick up any of the films where Akshay Kumar has worked with Vipul Shah and it is crystal clear that each of these films has been different. Whether it was Aankhen [a blind robber], Waqt [a wayward rich son], Namastey London [a village simpleton with a heart of gold] or Singh Is Kingg [a goofy villager], Akshay has been brought out of his zone on number of occasions and made to do something different film after film.
Now that they return with their fifth outing together, Action Replayy, Akshay and Vipul are all set to bring in something unique yet again. A retro film, Action Replayy would not just see Akshay in two different time zones separated by decades but also in three different looks as well as characterisation.
With audience expecting Akshay to do something different after a series of comic outings in the past, Vipul (expectedly) continues to heap praises on his lead actor who has stood by him ever since he turned filmmaker more than half a decade ago.
"I have always believed that Akshay is a terrific all rounder. All he needs is to be challenged as an actor", says Vipul who has also worked with Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan [London Dreams] in the interim period, "In Action Replayy, we have gone through a complete transformation for Akshay; something that he has never done before."
Continuing in the same vein, he adds, "In our last outing together (Singh Is Kinng), he got an identity of being a Punjabi boy. Now people will love him for his retro look. No one would have expected something like that from him or me, especially so after the films that we have made together. However, the idea was to surprise and this retro avtar is going to surprise quite a few out there."
Well, people are in for a surprise for sure. With 'Zor Ka Jhatka' presenting Akshay in a never seen before look, the feelers have also started coming in that there are two more looks that the actor carries in the film. One being that of an old man and another who is a little goofy before the entire look transformation takes place.
Despite the light hearted mood that the film promises to carry, Vipul wishes to call Action Replayy as a romantic musical that provides wholesome entertainment to all segments of audience. This would mean that after a series of largely comic outings [Housefull, De Dana Dan, Kambakkht Ishq], Akshay could well be seen in something truly different.
"That was the intent", Vipul corroborates, "Akshay is a much bigger actor than what we see of him on screen. This is why I strive to do different things with him. In fact I am surprised to a certain extent that people have not really utilised his true potential as an actor. It is so strange that someone who is capable of doing so many things is time and again offered mainly comedies. No, I am not saying that a film should not have humour. But then I also feel that a film should not just be about humour. This is what makes Action Replayy stand apart from the rest."
Source: Indian Express
