Actor-producer Akshay Kumar has decided to present first-time director Sandeep Modi’s Marathi film Chumbak because he was moved by the film's story. During the film's trailer launch, Akshay also confessed that he was blown away by lyricist-turned-actor Swanand Kirkire’s act in the film and believes it is the best performance he has witnessed ever since he joined the film industry.
“I have been working since 28 years. If I have ever seen a complete actor it is in this movie. It made me think that he is actually the person he is playing on screen. In these 28 years, I have never liked someone’s performance as much as this person’s [Kirkire],” Akshay said.
“I have produced so many films but I have never included my name [in the credits]. But I did that for this film which is made in Rs1.5 crore. I did that because I met an actor for whom I will say – this is called acting. Marathi cinema is special. I have seen quite a few Marathi films. I had also produced a Marathi film 72 Miles. I didn’t give my name in it but I did in this film. I am proud of doing that,” he added.
The famed actor gave another reason for adding his name in Chumbak's credits. “None of my film went to the festivals. So, I thought I should give my name to it [Chumbak].” The star hopes his name will travel to film festivals through Chumbak.
Commenting on the film's child actors Sahil Jadhav and Sangram Desai, he said, “The film also has two kids. These [three] actors have done what I haven’t done in 130 films.”
During the course of the discussion, Akshay also stated that Marathi films are better than their Hindi counterparts. “I love Marathi films. I feel their scripts and screenplay value is much better than our Hindi cinema. They are much bolder than Hindi films. I am a huge fan of theirs. Maybe because of that, due to God’s will, I learnt Marathi on my own. [Even] if they don’t translate [through subtitles] I understand each and everything,” Akshay said.
When asked if he would like to act in a Marathi film, he said, “I hope I get something which I can perform. But the only problem with that film will be that it won’t get such recognition at festivals.”
Chumbak will hit the screens on 27 July.