Akshay Kumar Says He’s Open to Working with New-Age Filmmakers Like Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Aditya Dhar Amid Praise for Modern Cinema Shift
Actor Akshay Kumar has shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, expressing admiration for recent large-scale films and openness to collaborating with new-age directors. His comments come at a time when his latest release Bhooth Bangla has received mixed critical response but continues to perform steadily at the box office.
Reflecting on the Changing Face of Cinema
In a recent conversation on YouTube with podcaster Shubhankar Mishra, Akshay Kumar discussed how Indian filmmaking has transformed in the post-Baahubali era, pointing to films like RRR and Baahubali as examples of large-scale storytelling that revived theatrical viewing after the pandemic.
He praised the conviction behind such films, highlighting their larger-than-life visuals and storytelling approach. According to him, these films demonstrated how Indian cinema can successfully blend scale, emotion, and spectacle to attract global audiences.
Praise for Modern Storytelling in Animal and Dhurandhar
Akshay also spoke about the impact of Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, saying it brought back the “angry young man” archetype in a more intense and amplified form.
He noted that the film’s portrayal of aggression and complex characters marked a shift in how heroes are depicted on screen, contrasting it with earlier generations of cinema.
Similarly, he appreciated Dhurandhar by Aditya Dhar for its grounded yet cinematic storytelling. He described the film as well-researched and thoughtfully constructed, blending real-life inspiration with larger-than-life execution.
Openness to Collaboration
When asked if he would be interested in working with filmmakers like Vanga and Dhar, Akshay responded positively but emphasized that the role must be suitable for him as an actor.
“If any of these directors think I deserve to be in their films, they can approach me. I want to do an action film, but it should also feel right for me,” he said.
He further added:
“If I ever get an opportunity to work in such films, I would be more than happy.”
A Nod to Evolving Audience Tastes
Akshay highlighted that audience expectations have changed significantly, especially after the success of high-concept films. He suggested that modern viewers are more open to intense storytelling, stylized action, and morally complex characters.
He described this shift as a positive evolution for Indian cinema, where filmmakers now have greater freedom to experiment with scale and narrative tone.
Looking Ahead
As Indian cinema continues to expand in both reach and ambition, Akshay Kumar’s remarks reflect a broader industry transition—where established stars and emerging filmmakers are increasingly intersecting.
With Bhooth Bangla currently running in theatres and discussions around future collaborations gaining momentum, Akshay’s openness to new-age storytelling signals a potential shift in the kinds of roles audiences may see him take on next.
