Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film Samuk is taking its commitment to practical filmmaking a step further. The sci-fi survival-action thriller, currently being shot in London, is reportedly using a real helicopter for an important dramatic sequence rather than creating the entire scene through visual effects.
The decision reflects the filmmaking approach adopted by producer and filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah, who has previously said that Samuk will rely heavily on old-school, practical filmmaking. The film is being directed by Kanishk Varma and brings Akshay Kumar and Vipul Shah together for their seventh collaboration.
Samuk Uses a Real Helicopter for London Shoot
According to industry information cited by Bollywood Hungama, the Samuk team could have used a helicopter model or relied on VFX for the sequence. Instead, the makers arranged an actual helicopter and are using it during the shoot over several days.
The decision is particularly notable because action-heavy and large-scale sequences in contemporary films often depend extensively on computer-generated imagery. In the case of Samuk, however, the production team is reportedly attempting to capture as much of the action as possible directly on set.
The approach is in line with Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s earlier comments about the film. The filmmaker had revealed that the team wanted to follow an old-school style of filmmaking, with extensive live-action shooting and limited dependence on VFX.
Vipul Shah Wants Samuk to Feel Real
The practical approach appears to be an important part of the overall vision for Samuk. The film combines several genres, including science fiction, survival, action and horror, while also incorporating elements of alien mythology.
Rather than building the entire world digitally, the makers are reportedly trying to create a physical environment that allows the actors and technical crew to work with real elements wherever possible.
The helicopter sequence is one example of this approach. By bringing an actual aircraft into the production, the team can capture the movement, scale and physical presence of the helicopter during filming instead of recreating those elements entirely during post-production.
For a film built around survival and action, such details can also influence how performers interact with their surroundings during a scene.
Akshay Kumar and Vipul Shah Reunite for Their Seventh Film
Samuk marks the seventh collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Vipul Amrutlal Shah. Their partnership has previously produced films across different genres, and the upcoming project takes them into science-fiction territory.
Vipul Shah has previously described Samuk as a completely new challenge for the duo. He has also said that the two have never repeated the same genre across their collaborations, making the new film another departure for them.
Akshay Kumar's involvement in the project has also been highlighted by Shah. The filmmaker previously revealed that the actor has been deeply involved in discussions surrounding different aspects of the film despite his busy schedule.
The actor began shooting for Samuk in London in August 2026. Earlier reports indicated that approximately 90 per cent of the movie was planned to be filmed in the UK capital, with the remaining portions expected to be completed in Mumbai.
International Team Behind Samuk
The scale of Samuk extends beyond its international shooting locations. The production has brought together a technical team with experience in creature effects and action filmmaking.
Among the names associated with the project is Alec Gillis, the Academy Award-nominated creature-effects designer known for his work on major creature-driven franchises including Alien and Predator. Gillis has been involved in designing the central alien creature for Samuk.
British action specialist Luke Tumber is also part of the project, adding international expertise to the film's action department.
The combination of practical effects, international technical talent and real locations suggests that the makers are attempting to build a distinct visual world for the film.
Samuk Blends Sci-Fi, Survival and Horror
The story details of Samuk are being kept largely under wraps, but the film is being described as a survival-action thriller with science-fiction, horror and alien elements.
The makers have been developing the project for more than two years, indicating that considerable preparation went into creating its world before production began.
The film's central alien mythology is another aspect that separates it from conventional Bollywood action projects. Instead of focusing solely on grounded action, Samuk aims to combine physical survival with an extraterrestrial threat.
That combination has also required the production to assemble specialists capable of handling creature design, action choreography and large-scale international filming.
Viineet Kumar Siingh Also Joins the Cast
The cast of Samuk has also been expanding. Actor Viineet Kumar Siingh has reportedly joined the film in a key role.
According to reports, his character will be connected to Akshay Kumar's character and will accompany him on a major mission in the film. Details about the role and the wider storyline remain under wraps.
Viineet Kumar Siingh is known for performances in films such as Mukkabaaz, Gangs of Wasseypur, Gold, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Saand Ki Aankh, Jaat and Chhaava. His reported addition gives the project another established performer alongside Akshay Kumar.
Samuk Is Planned for a 2027 Release
Samuk is currently scheduled for a 2027 theatrical release. The film is being mounted as a large-scale theatrical project with ambitions that extend beyond the conventional Bollywood action format.
The London schedule is therefore an important part of the production, with the makers using the city as a major filming location. The decision to use a real helicopter further demonstrates the scale of the ongoing shoot.
For Akshay Kumar, the project represents another move into a genre that he has not explored in this particular combination before. For Vipul Shah, it is an opportunity to build a science-fiction survival film around practical filmmaking rather than depending primarily on digital effects.
With filming continuing in London and more details about the cast and production gradually emerging, Samuk is beginning to reveal the scale of its ambitions. The real helicopter sequence is just one example of how the team is attempting to bring its action-driven world to life on camera.
As the 2027 release approaches, audiences will have to wait for an official first look, teaser or trailer to see how the practical elements and international production design come together on screen.
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