Akshay Kumar, one of India’s biggest superstars, has continually demonstrated his versatility and dedication to his craft over a career spanning 33 years. Known for his roles in comedy classics like Hera Pheri, Welcome, and Singh is Kinng, as well as powerful performances in films such as Airlift, Mission Mangal, and Padman, Kumar has showcased a wide range of acting abilities. His discipline, hard work, and endless rigor are widely recognized, and these qualities are embodied in his diverse roles.
Let’s explore six films that have solidified Akshay Kumar as a blockbuster star, each drawing inspiration from real-life heroes. His upcoming film Sarfira continues this trend, based on the life of Captain GR Gopinath, the founder of Air Deccan.
Airlift
This thriller drama features Kumar as Ranjit Katyal, a Kuwait-based businessman. The film is based on the true story of the Invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, which sparked the Gulf War. It highlights how Katyal orchestrated the evacuation of Indians from Kuwait. The high-octane film instilled a deep sense of patriotism among viewers, and Kumar’s compelling performance made it a box office success.
Special 26
In Special 26, Kumar plays Ajay Singh Rajput, the leader of a group that impersonates CBI officers to conduct daring raids on high-profile establishments. The film keeps audiences on the edge of their seats and prompts them to question the vulnerabilities within the system. Kumar’s portrayal adds depth to this thrilling narrative.
Baby
Directed by Neeraj Pandey, this action spy thriller marked Kumar’s second collaboration with Pandey after Special 26. In Baby, Kumar plays an Indian Intelligence officer determined to eliminate terrorists and their plots. His intense and riveting performance drives the film’s gripping storyline.
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
In this socially driven film, Kumar campaigns to improve sanitation conditions in India, working towards the eradication of open defecation, particularly in rural areas. His sincere portrayal of a man fighting for a crucial social cause was widely appreciated and the film delivered a powerful message.
Rustom
Inspired by real-life events, Rustom stars Kumar as Rustom Pavri, a decorated naval officer who becomes entangled in a sensational murder trial after discovering his wife’s infidelity. Kumar’s layered performance captures the pain of betrayal, the complexities of marital love, and a strong sense of duty, blurring the lines between love, duty, and revenge. The film became a significant hit, resonating deeply with audiences.
Sarfira
Sarfira, an upcoming film starring Akshay Kumar, will be directed and written by Sudha Kongara and produced by Arun Bhatia, Suriya, Jyotika, and Vikram Malhotra. The cast includes Paresh Rawal, Radhika Madan, Seema Biswas, and Akshay Kumar. This movie is the official remake of the Tamil film Soorarai Pottru. In Sarfira, Akshay Kumar portrays a common man who challenges the world’s most capital-intensive sector to enable ordinary people to fly, supported by his family, friends, and determination. The story is inspired by the real-life events of Captain GR Gopinath, the founder of Air Deccan.
On the work front, Akshay Kumar has a stellar line-up of diverse and promising films including Sarfira, Singham Again, Sky Force, Welcome 3, Shankara, the threequel to Hera Pheri, Housefull 5 and more.
