Akshay Kumar seems to be having a great time playing son-of-the-soil on the screen. Post his current lot of films like Padman, Gold, Kesar and 2.0, he is ready to start work on his next project. The actor has picked Farhad’s (of Sajid-Farhad duo) solo directorial debut for his next on-screen outing.

The Movie, tentatively titled Land of Lungi (LOL), is a Remake of the Tamil movie Veeram (2014) that starred Ajith. It will have Akshay as a lungi-clad hero and will be produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The original was a village-based drama, hence, the remake is also likely to be based in the heartland of India, a background that Akshay has explored in his recent outings.

Not another social saga
With movies that handled sanitation (Toilet: Ek Prem Katha) and hygiene issues (Padman) releasing back-to-back, the general perception was that Akshay would be picking up another subject on similar lines. However, Veeram is an out-and-out entertainer. Says a source, “Akshay hasn’t done a South remake since Boss, so this will be a good change for his fans.”

Oh, brother!
The original saw Ajith playing bade bhaiyya to three younger siblings. He chooses to stay unmarried to look after his brothers. While the trio say that they want to follow their brother’s example and stay unmarried, they have their hearts set on their sweethearts. They then plan to get their brother to fall in love so that it clears their path. But a few bad guys and twists come into play before they find their happily ever after. The South Indian original was directed by Siva, starred Tamannaah Bhatia, who has shared screen space with Akshay in It’s Entertainment. It remains to be seen if she will be cast in the remake as well.

In good company
Sajid-Farhad, who wrote movies like Golmaal Returns, All The Best: Fun Begins, Housefull 2, Ready, Golmaal 3, Singham, Bol Bachchan, and Chashme Baddoor among others, before making their directorial debut with It’s Entertainment, parted ways recently. “Akshay is very comfortable with Farhad’s brand of humour. As for Akshay and Sajid, this will be their ninth film together. They make a great team and are good friends, too. The original film had done good business, and looking at the combination that has come together for the remake, this seems like a safe bet,” adds the source.