After making her Hindi film debut opposite Varun Dhawan in Shoojit Sircar’s ‘October’, Banita Sandhu appeared in the Vicky Kaushal starrer ‘Sardar Udham’. Her next project is Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s science-fiction action-survival thriller, directed by Kanishk Varma, where she will share screen space with Akshay Kumar.
Banita Sandhu to play an environmentalist in ‘Samuk’
According to Variety India, Banita will play a British-born Indian environmentalist who unexpectedly ends up on a mission she was never meant to be part of. The makers are keeping the plot and individual character arcs under wraps, but her character is believed to play a key part in the story.‘Samuk’ is produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under the Sunshine Pictures banner, with Aashin A. Shah serving as co-producer, and it reunites Shah and Akshay Kumar after more than a decade. Kanishk Varma, known for ‘Sanak’ and the series ‘Inside Edge’, directs the film. It has been in the works for over two years, during which the makers have put together an ensemble cast while keeping the finer story details tightly under wraps.Banita Sandhu’s filmography adds an international touch to ‘Samuk’. Her credits also include the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’ and Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’. With ‘Samuk’, she enters the world of science-fiction action thrillers, headlined by one of Hindi cinema’s best-known action stars.
‘Samuk’ cast led by Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar leads the cast of ‘Samuk’, joined by Rukmini Maitra, Viineet Kumar Siingh, Rajat Kapoor, Swanand Kirkire and Sushant Singh. Most of the actors’ roles have not been revealed, as the makers are keeping the spotlight on the film’s central premise instead of explaining where each character fits into the story.
‘Samuk’ shoot and release date
‘Samuk’ also draws on international genre talent behind the scenes. Alec Gillis, the Academy Award-nominated creature effects designer known for the ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’ franchises, is associated with the project, and British action director Luke Tumber is overseeing the action sequences. The production blends science fiction with survival storytelling and relies on a practical creature-effects approach. Filming began in the United Kingdom in late August and the overseas schedule has now wrapped. The team is expected to shift to Mumbai for the final leg of shooting, with a theatrical release planned for 2027.
