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Akshay Kumar To Make His Debut In Telugu Cinema; Exploring The Superstar's Ventures Beyond Bollywood

The 'Khiladi' of Bollywood recently landed in Hyderabad and met the cast of the film, 'Kannappa'.

"I keep on jumping from one genre to another, whether there is success or no success... that’s how I have always worked." - Akshay Kumar.

Akshay Kumar is an incredibly busy actor, and there's absolutely no sign of him slowing down. His latest release 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' is currently running in theatres, and now he is gearing up for his debut in Telugu cinema. Yes, he has joined forces with Vishnu Manchu for the upcoming film, 'Kannappa'.

Helmed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, 'Kannappa' will depict the story of Kannappa, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. While it's not official, there's buzz that Kumar will play Lord Shiva in the film. It also stars Preity Mukhundhan, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Mohan Babu, R Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Madhoo, and Mukesh Rishi among others.

Akshay Kumar met the cast and crew of 'Kannappa'

"The Kanappa journey just got more thrilling as we welcome the Superstar Mr. Akshay Kumar to the Telugu Film Industry. Thrilled to announce his debut in Telugu cinema with Kannappa. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!" wrote Vishnu Manchu, who is playing the lead in the film, on social media.

(Credit: Vishnu Manchu)

While this is Kumar's debut in Telugu cinema, this isn't the first time he is venturing beyond Bollywood. He has done so time and again, leaving a lasting impression each time.

Vishnu Vijaya (1993)

More than three decades ago, Akshay Kumar made his debut in Kannada cinema with 'Vishnu Vijaya'. Directed by Keshu Ramsay, the film starred Kumar in a pivotal role alongside actors like Vishnuvardhan, Ashwini Bhave, Ashutosh Rana, and Pankaj Dheer.

The film was also simultaneously shot in Hindi as 'Ashaant'. While 'Vishnu Vijaya' was a blockbuster at the Kannada box office, 'Ashaant' failed to make a mark.

(Credit: SGV Digital - Kannada Full Movies)

Later, after the death of Vishnuvardhan, Kumar spoke about the film, saying, "We did a Hindi and a Kannada version of Ashaant. The Kannada version was a super hit. The Hindi version was a flop. I realized Vishnuji was a much bigger star than I could ever be."

2.0 (2018)

Akshay Kumar played the antagonist, Pakshi Rajan (a supernatural beast that controls birds), in S. Shankar's science-fantasy action film, '2.O'. He starred alongside Superstar Rajinikanth in the film, and yet, successfully made his mark. In fact, Rajinikanth himself was all praise about Kumar's work, saying in an interview, "Hats off to Akshay Kumar for his hard work and patience. It’s unimaginable. We were shooting in sweltering conditions in Delhi during summer, and his suit had to be pasted with gum throughout the body. His makeup process was extremely demanding, but he had never indicated any disapproval. He worked with great dedication. His performance comes in two to three dimensions and with each character. He has proved his mettle as an actor. His role will definitely be talked about after the release. He is the real hero."

Akshay Kumar in ‘2.0’

The film became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2018 and the highest-grossing Tamil film of all time.

(Credit: Dharma Productions)

Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Sat

In December 2022, Kumar announced his debut in Marathi cinema with the film, 'Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Sat'. Directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, the period drama stars him as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Sharing his first look from the film, Kumar wrote on social media, "Jai Bhawani, Jai Shivaji."

(Credit: akshaykumar)

Speaking about his Marathi debut, Kumar said in an interview, "It's a dream come true role for me. I think to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the big screen is a very huge responsibility. I was taken aback when Raj sir asked me to portray this role. I feel so good to be playing this part and it's going to be a dream come true role for me. Also, I will be working for the first time with director Mahesh Manjrekar, and it is going to be an experience."

(Credit: akshaykumar)

However, it's yet to be released in theatres.

Best Wishes For Your Telugu Debut, Mr. Kumar!