Producer Dil Raju Quashes Rumours as New Akshay Kumar Film Enters Development

Producer Dil Raju has moved to shut down a wave of online speculation about his forthcoming slate, issuing a statement that describes the recent reports surrounding Sri Venkateswara Creations as “entirely baseless” and “blown out of proportion”. Over the past few months, a string of articles and social media posts has suggested that multiple projects were already locked, prompting the producer to clarify that much of the information circulating was either outdated or simply inaccurate.

“In light of recent rumours and ongoing speculation, we wish to clarify that these reports are entirely baseless,” the statement read. “Several outdated speculations are being linked to current developments, which is inaccurate.” The production house said such claims had contributed to a climate of confusion, and stressed the need for verified information rather than conjecture.

The company did, however, confirm that it is at work on a new film with Akshay Kumar, to be directed by Anees Bazmee. The project is currently in pre-production, with Raju’s team indicating that further details would be announced once key elements were finalised. No casting announcements beyond Kumar have been made, and the filmmakers have avoided disclosing the genre or storyline, adding to the intrigue around the collaboration.

Industry sources suggest that the film may be a Hindi adaptation of the Telugu action-comedy Sankranthiki Vasthunam, which starred Meenakshi Chaudhary and Venkatesh Daggubati. The original followed an ex-cop entangled in a chaotic rescue mission while juggling the competing demands of his wife and former lover — a premise that delivered a mix of broad comedy and thriller-like turns. The film performed strongly at the box office and earned positive notices for its self-aware, slightly irreverent tone.

The producers have cautioned media outlets against presenting any adaptation talk as confirmed. “We humbly request members of the media to refrain from drawing conclusions or circulating speculative information without confirmation from our end,” the statement concluded.

Whether or not the Kumar–Bazmee project revisits Sankranthiki Vasthunam, the development signals Raju’s continued push into the Hindi film industry — a move that may pave the way for more cross-language collaborations in the months ahead.