Mumbai, March 28 Akshay Kumar is a strong advocate for action films that are raw and realistic, unlike the prevalent, picture-perfect versions created using VFX and AI in the film industry.
One of the original action stars in Hindi cinema and skilled in martial art forms such as Karate, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Kudo, Kumar is not happy with the increasing reliance on technology when it comes to shooting action sequences.
"There is a huge difference in how action films are being made today. Earlier, the action was real; now, everything is done with VFX. It's not as fun because it feels fake. I want to make a film that is real," he said.
"For example, if I'm jumping, I'm jumping for real, and not using VFX for it. Or, if I'm kicking, I'm kicking for real, not like 15 people are helping me kick people. I want to make an action film without the use of VFX," Kumar told
The actor started his journey in Hindi cinema as an action star, delivering hits through the "Khiladi" franchise, "Mohra", "Suhaag", "Elaan" and "Jaanwar", before shifting towards drama, comedy, and movies with socially relevant themes.
In recent years, Kumar has starred in action entertainers such as "Holiday", "Gabbar is Back", and "Sooryavanshi".
Kumar, 58, is not a fan of the film industry's growing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI), as he believes it is easy to spot a difference between the actual action sequences versus the ones generated with the help of a computer.
"I'm saying this in the era of AI, and people may think what they wish to, but I want to do an action film that is a real action film. The audience can feel how much effort is being put in, unlike the efforts taken with the help of AI or a computer," he said, giving the analogy of a painting and its print version.
"There is a difference between a real, hand-made, and printed (digital) painting. The printed painting may look perfect, and the real painting may have some flaws. Now, it depends on you, what you want to see. I want to make a real painting."
Beyond action, Kumar said he is delighted to be joining successful cinematic universes like "Stree" and "Golmaal". He played a small but significant role in "Stree 2" (2024).
The actor recently joined the cast of the fifth movie in the comedy franchise, "Golmaal", helmed by Rohit Shetty. He joins the primary cast including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kemmu, and Shreyas Talpade.
"Ajay Devgn said, 'I get into every franchise'. But if I'm getting to do 'Stree', why wouldn't I? I do franchise films because I'm offered, as they think I'm capable of doing it. It's good to be part of franchise films, and 'Golmaal' is a big franchise," the actor said.
Kumar is currently awaiting the release of his film, "Bhooth Bangla", directed by Priyadarshan. It is set to release on April 10.
