Akshay’s Heroine Problem: Samuk Repeating Same Mistake?

Samuk Casting Raises Questions Over Buzz

Akshay Kumar’s upcoming sci-fi thriller Samuk is assembling an intriguing ensemble. But the casting of relatively new actresses has raised a familiar question about the film’s ability to generate pre-release hype. Banita Sandhu is the latest addition to the alien survival adventure. She is reportedly playing a British Indian environmentalist who accidentally becomes part of a mission she was never meant to join.

According to reports, Banita’s character will have a key role in the narrative, although the makers are keeping her character and the larger plot under wraps. The actor, who made her Hindi film debut opposite Varun Dhawan in Shoojit Sircar’s October, has also appeared in Sardar Udham, Netflix’s Bridgerton and Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga.

However, her casting brings the spotlight back to a recurring criticism of Akshay’s recent film choices. Some moviegoers feel that casting relatively unfamiliar actresses, regardless of their acting abilities, does little to build excitement around big scale theatrical projects. The concern is that such choices lack the audience pull needed to generate substantial buzz before release.

Banita Sandhu joins Rukmini Maitra in the film, alongside Viineet Kumar Siingh, Rajat Kapoor, Swanand Kirkire and Sushant Singh. Critics of this casting approach believe Akshay could benefit from pairing up with established stars such as Deepika Padukone, whose screen presence and popularity could complement his own star power.

Directed by Kanishk Varma and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Samuk also features creature effects expertise from Alec Gillis, known for the Alien and Predator franchises. After completing its UK schedule, the film is expected to move to Mumbai for its final leg of shooting ahead of its planned 2027 theatrical release.

Whether Samuk can overcome concerns about Akshay Kumar’s current choice of films and build genuine audience excitement remains to be seen.