Veteran actor Manoj Kumar: Always considered Akshay Kumar my successor in portraying patriotism on-screen

Manoj Kumar and Akshay Kumar

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, often celebrated for his iconic patriotic roles, recently shared his thoughts on the current torchbearer of this genre in Bollywood. In an exclusive interview, he expressed his admiration for Akshay Kumar, stating, “I’ve always considered Akshay Kumar my successor in portraying patriotism on screen.” Manoj Kumar, whose legacy in films like Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim earned him the title of “Bharat Kumar,” sees Akshay as the ideal heir to this tradition.

Manoj Kumar elaborated on how Akshay has consistently portrayed the values of love for the country and national pride in his films. He particularly appreciated Akshay’s recreation of a sequence from his classic, Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sada, in Namaste London, calling it “heartfelt and authentic.” Manoj Kumar remarked, “There’s no one like him when it comes to playing the role of a country-loving Indian.”

The context for this praise is the upcoming release of Akshay Kumar’s much-anticipated film Sky Force, set against a patriotic backdrop. Directed by Maddock Films, the movie promises to be a visual spectacle with balanced themes of patriotism and emotional depth. Trade analysts and industry insiders are already lauding the film for its promising content. Taran Adarsh, a renowned trade analyst, predicted, “I expect Sky Force to open on a strong note. The buzz around the film is incredible, and the promotional efforts have been spot-on.”

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The excitement surrounding Sky Force is evident, with fans and critics eagerly awaiting Akshay Kumar’s return to the genre where he has consistently excelled. His performances in films like Airlift, Kesari, and Mission Mangal have solidified his image as the face of patriotic cinema in the 21st century. According to producer and trade expert Girish Johar, “The excitement for Sky Force is sky-high. Akshay Kumar, action, and music have been tracking exceptionally well.”

The film also marks the debut of Veer Pahariya, who has been praised for his potential by the team. Girish Johar stated, “Veer Pahariya will have a promising debut with this one.” Additionally, Roshan Singh, a leading exhibitor, expressed optimism about Akshay Kumar’s performance. He shared, “I have a strong feeling he’ll bounce back with Sky Force. Audiences have always loved his patriotic roles, and he excels at them.”

With a Republic Day release that aligns with a Sunday, the film is poised for a massive opening, especially given the sentimentality associated with the national holiday. Industry experts believe that Sky Force could not only continue Maddock Films’ winning streak, following hits like Stree 2, but also mark a defining moment in Akshay Kumar’s career. Atul Mohan, a trade analyst, noted, “Sky Force should see a massive opening. The momentum is building steadily as the release date approaches.”