BOMBAY TIMES (June 1, 2016)
Time and again Akshay Kumar has proven his versatility by exploring diverse genres. Over the years, the actor, who is known for his powerpacked action as well as his comic timing, has had a number of hits, which have paved the way for sequels. As Housefull 3 helmed by Sajid-Farhad releases on June 3, here are some of the Bollywood superstar's films that make him the king of sequels...
KHILADI: Following the success of Khiladi (1992), the actor came to be known as Khiladi Kumar for his slick action sequences. He did eight films with the same name, the last being Khiladi 786 (2012).
HERA PHERI: Akshay's one-liners are one of the highlights of this 2000 film, which was that year's biggest comedy. Six years later, he followed it up with Phir Hera Pheri, which was eagerly anticipated by the audience.
SINGH IS KINNG: With a good dose of action and humour, this 2008 hit proved to be a complete entertainer. Last year, its sequel Singh is Bliing was released.
HOUSEFULL: Producer Sajid Nadiadwala's Housefull was among the biggest entertainers of 2010. It was turned into a franchise with Housefull 2 (2012), which was also a hit. This encouraged the producer and Akki to come out with a third instalment.
With the film set to open in theatres this week, Akshay says, “It's a great feeling because it means the movie was enjoyed so much the first time around that we had no choice but to make the sequel. When a franchise works, you can't turn your back on it. You have to give the audience what they crave. Sequels give you a certain confidence so that you can go all out in the prequel like Housefull 3. It's just more fun for our fans.“
KHILADI: Following the success of Khiladi (1992), the actor came to be known as Khiladi Kumar for his slick action sequences. He did eight films with the same name, the last being Khiladi 786 (2012).
HERA PHERI: Akshay's one-liners are one of the highlights of this 2000 film, which was that year's biggest comedy. Six years later, he followed it up with Phir Hera Pheri, which was eagerly anticipated by the audience.
SINGH IS KINNG: With a good dose of action and humour, this 2008 hit proved to be a complete entertainer. Last year, its sequel Singh is Bliing was released.
HOUSEFULL: Producer Sajid Nadiadwala's Housefull was among the biggest entertainers of 2010. It was turned into a franchise with Housefull 2 (2012), which was also a hit. This encouraged the producer and Akki to come out with a third instalment.
With the film set to open in theatres this week, Akshay says, “It's a great feeling because it means the movie was enjoyed so much the first time around that we had no choice but to make the sequel. When a franchise works, you can't turn your back on it. You have to give the audience what they crave. Sequels give you a certain confidence so that you can go all out in the prequel like Housefull 3. It's just more fun for our fans.“