Akshay Kumar is the latest from Bollywood to make his digital debut with Amazon Prime Video's action-packed thriller series.
The show, tentatively titled "The End", will take the 51-year-old actor back to his action roots he owes to the "Khiladi" films of the 1990s.
Jennifer Salke, Head - Amazon Studios (Worldwide), told PTI that "Akshay is starring in a big action thriller series, temporarily titled 'The End'. It will be very exciting." Salke said it will be an "edge-of-the-seat" action series. Akshay, whose recent filmography features socially-relevant films and comedies, said the show cannot be termed as his comeback to the action genre.
"When did I go away from it? I have never gone away from action. Action is within me. I call myself a stuntman first and then an actor," the superstar said at the launch event of the show.
The actor arrived at the launch in his signature action style—this time with hands and legs on fire.
While Akshay refrained from divulging the plot details, he said it will be "a fun and an entertaining" story.
On his digital debut, the actor said it was his son, Aarav, who urged him to venture into the space.
Crap! This is how I find out that you decided to set yourself on fire ! Come home and I am going to kill you-in case you do survive this! #GodHelpMe https://t.co/K7a7IbdvRN
— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) March 5, 2019
Salke said the next big hit can come from anywhere in the world and Amazon believes a show like this will cross all boundaries.
The concept of the show is the next best-kept secret like the 'Lord of The Rings' concept, she added.
"It will be a global hit. We will be behind it in the way we have been behind so many projects like 'The Marvelous Mrs Maisel', 'Jack Ryan', 'Homecoming', etc," she said.
James Farrell, Head of International Originals, Amazon Prime Video, said the superstar has been contemplating about revisiting his action days for a long time. He added that they started discussing the project three years ago.
"Akshay has been thinking about this one for years. He is just trying to figure out what he could do for his fans that was different. He wanted to go back to his action roots but not have it as the usual three-hour film arc. (He thought) 'What I could do for multiple years with lots of twists and turns?'" Farrell told.
He added that the series, which is expected to start production soon, will take place over "many seasons and many years".
The series will be produced by Abundantia Entertainment, the banner behind Prime Video's another hit series "Breathe".
Literally, all fired up for my association with @PrimeVideoIN’s THE END (working title). Trust me, this is only the beginning 😉@JSalke @vikramix @Abundantia_Ent pic.twitter.com/BL2PS4iJPQ
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 5, 2019
During the event, Akshay said: “I have always believed in bringing innovation to my work and throughout my career, have tried to tell unique stories, work with break-through talent and be part of disruptive and high quality story-telling.
Together, Abundantia and I have created some of my most memorable roles in films like Baby, Airlift and Toilet-Ek Prem Katha and their passion towards their films and projects is incredible".
"From the very concept of the show, I am working very closely with Vikram and his team as they create this compelling and highly intriguing story. I can’t wait to start rolling for this action adventure series that will be Amazon Original for global audiences.
The digital world excited me and I am delighted to make my streaming debut with this show. And if I were to make a small confession here, it was my son Aarav who suggested that I make my digital debut as that’s what the youth is hooked onto. On this medium, I want to create something extraordinary and connect with them”.
Twinkles reaction is priceless, when she finds out that her husband, Akshay is on fire.
Twinkle tweeted: “Crap! This is how I find out that you decided to set yourself on fire ! Come home and I am going to kill you-in case you do survive this! #GodHelpMe”
Now that’s something I’d actually be afraid of 😬 https://t.co/cqCqXDrbSs
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 5, 2019
To which, Akshay replied: “Now that’s something I’d actually be afraid of”.
