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Without so much as a hint, Akshay Kumar has swung the most high-profile global movie project in years. Titled Australian Bandstand, the film which will begin shooting in October next year, will feature the Oscar-winning British actress Rachel Weisz as his leading lady.
 
It has been confirmed from various sources that the project will bring together topline talent from Hollywood, India, Britain and Australia. The athletically spry Akshay Kumar, who has acted in over 70 films ever since his debut 15 years ago in Saugandh, will enact the role of a rugby player.

Insiders say it is a role of a life time for Akshay Kumar. The actor, however, feigned ignorance on the subject, stating, “For once, I wish what a journalist is saying does come true.”

Yet, film industry sources confirm that the actor has reserved his dates for three months towards October next year for a “very special film that will be a turning point in his career.” Before the shoot kicks off on worldwide locations, Akshay Kumar will go through rigorous physical training for the rugby sequences.

The hush-hush project has been inspired by Australian Bandstand, the longest running pop TV show of its time. From 1958 to ’72, it revolved around an audience watching singers lipsynching through musical numbers performed on studio sets.

The film to be directed by Warwick Freeman will have international funding, including the backing of a prominent UK-India film distributing company.

Rachel Weisz — who won the Supporting Actress Award for The Constant Gardener earlier this year — has been confirmed.

So is the movie a romance between the actress and the city’s Khiladi No. 1? Ask Akshay Kumar and he says over the phone, “Bye..I’m caught up in something now. I’ll call you in a bit.” He didn’t.

khalid.mohamed@ hindustantimes.com