It was a not-so-pleasant surprise for Akshay Kumar’s fans when recently ‘news’ started floating around the news of the actor having just 25 minutes role in his upcoming release Mission Mangal. Considering the fact that the film was being promoted as the next big patriotic film of the superstar which is set for release on the Independence Day, it was hard to digest this piece of information.
As has turned out though, there is no truth to the rumor making rounds and Akshay indeed it ‘the hero of the film’.
“When Akshay has a cameo or an extended guest appearance in a film, he announces that himself loud and clear. He did that with Naam Shabana, right? Taapsee Pannu was the leading lady of the film and everyone associated with the film, including Akshay himself, made this clear to the fans well in advance so that their expectations are pretty much in check,” says an insider.
That’s the reason why the rumor has pretty much disturbed everyone associated with the film, especially producer R. Balki who last directed Akshay in PadMan.
“I have no clue from where did this false news piece originate,” Balki wonders, “There is no truth to this whatsoever.”
The rumors originated since Mission Mangal has quite a few leading ladies in the form of Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu, Nithya Menen and Kirti Kulhari, all of whom play characters that are involved in the true story of India’s biggest space mission that is presented on screen. That made few wonder if Akshay Kumar would have a supporting, even though strong part, to play in the film which has been directed by Jagan Shakti.
“By all means, Akshay is the hero of the film. As a matter of fact he would be seen in the film for a duration more than even Kesari,” reaffirms Balki.
While that sounds promising, one now waits to see what Akshay Kumar has to present to the audiences once once the film releases all over in August.
| Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder |