AKSHAY KUMAR TALKS ABOUT HIS FILM SPECIAL26
I had read the script once and had rejected it. I was not keen on the character as I did not understand the story at all. But a few months later Neeraj (Pandey) narrated the film and this time I really understood the tale
After resurrecting the action-packed, slapstick comedy-oriented Khiladi franchise with Khiladi 786, Akshay Kumar will next be seen in a totally different role in Special 26 where he plays an intelligent cop…. Or does he?
Akshay says that he had not okayed Special 26 outright. “I had read the script once and had rejected it. I was not keen on the charac- ter as I did not understand the story at all. But a few months later Neeraj (Pandey) narrated the film and this time I really understood the tale.
“The intriguing real story that happened sometime in 1986 while I was in Lucknow had attracted my attention even then,” he adds
Not wanting to divulge anything about his role, Akshay adds, “Now whether I play a fake cop or a real one is for you guys to find out.”
The promos of Special 26 does not show Akshay’s Khiladi image at all. “Definitely, in a character where I am supposed to solve the crimes using my head, do you expect me to show my physical vigour unnecessarily?”
Fans of his action films, however, will not be totally deprived this year. “By the end of 2013 I have a film titled Boss. My fans will see me in action in this film. I am going to do action films as long as I can perform the fight sequences,” adds Akki.
The star also does not mind being called a superstar at all. “Who will not like the title if it’s bestowed on him? But I am here to enact my characters and I try to perform to the best of my ability.”
It has been a long career and over the years Akshay has worked with all kinds of directors. “I am happy to have worked with various directors. Working with Prabhu Deva in Rowdy Rathore was a great learning experience. “While he allowed me to make extempore changes, Neeraj Pandey comes with a tight screenplay. However, both have their own techniques and working with them have been great learning experiences.”
“The difference that Neeraj has made with his first film, A Wednesday, makes our country and Bollywood proud because even Hollywood filmmakers took away a few things from his film. He is one director who makes his film just ready to shoot. Everything, the dialogues/ screenplay, is in black and white.”
About working with Kajal Agarwal in the film he says, “We saw her work in Singham; she is a talented and dedicated actress. Her performance has been wonderful in the film. Working with her was fun.”
For the star, 2013 should be an eventful year. “I have Special 26 to begin with. Then I have Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, Boss and an untitled film with Murugadoss,” he concludes.