Laxmii is the remake of Tamil hit Kanchana. (Photo: Akshay Kumar/Twitter)Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani’s horror-comedy Laxmii is streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar. The Raghava Lawrence directorial is the remake of his own Tamil hit Kanchana. Produced by Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films, Fox Star Studios and Tusshar Kapoor, Laxmii also features Ashwini Kalsekar, Sharad Kelkar, Manu Rishi and Ayesha Raza.
Laxmii revolves around an unsuspecting man whose body gets taken over by a spirit. Talking about his role in the film, Akshay had earlier shared, “I’ve been in my career for 30 years. But the character of Laxmmi has been the most mentally intensive role I’ve ever played. But somehow I managed it. And I thank my director. He is behind everything about this character — how it moves, what it says and how it dances.”
Director Raghava Lawrence stressed that Laxmii infuses social messaging about the transgender community with horror and comedy, and he is thrilled to have Akshay Kumar leading the film. “In Hindi, when Akshay sir is playing the role, I believe that the message will reach an even wider audience. My special thanks to Akshay sir for accepting and playing this role,” he told PTI.
Raghava said the idea to make Kanchana came when a few transgender people approached a trust run by him. When he heard their story, he thought of chronicling it for the big screen. “I wanted to tell their story to everyone, first through the character of Kanchana and now with Laxmmi in this movie. After watching the film, audiences will know what I am talking about,” the filmmaker said.
Actor Tusshar Kapoor, who is venturing into film production with Akshay Kumar-starrer Laxmii, says it was a natural progression rather than a calculated career move. He said, “It is not like I am getting into next stage (of my career) as a producer. It was a natural decision that came very spontaneously.”
“I am not changing tracks. I will be doing both acting and producing. If I get the right subject, I will act in and produce the same film. My next film will be as an actor,” Tusshar told PTI in an interview. “It is not that I am trying to make a statement as a producer. My choice will always be on the basis of the script and content,” Tusshar added.
Actor Akshay Kumar said, "I am overwhelmed and overjoyed by the response that Laxmii received. It’s heartening to know that audiences and fans from across the country logged on to Disney+ Hotstar VIP to watch the movie within hours of its release. Who doesn’t love beating records – whether it’s at the box-office or opening night on streaming platforms. Nothing is comparable to this feeling of euphoria."
DJ Khushi, who turned music composer with Laxmii's Burj Khalifa, said that the song was composed beforehand, and not for Laxmii. Akshay Kumar locked the song without knowing which film he would use it in eventually.
Akshay Kumar, his co-star Kiara Advani and director Raghava Lawrence recently hosted a special screening of Laxmii in Delhi for the transgender community. At the event, Akshay said, “On my birthday all (from the transgender community) would come home and always say that one day I would become a very big person, and it came true and it is all because of your blessings.”
Akshay Kumar took to Twitter to drop a new dance number from Laxmii, Start Stop. The song is sung by Raja Hasan, and composed by Tanisk Bagchi.
KRK tweeted, "What great Wahiyat film #Laxmii? Waste of time, resources and money. Good decision to release on #OTT as it could have been disaster at the box office. Wahiyat dialogues by talentless #FarhadSamji! Canadian actor Akshay should pay every viewer ?2,000 to watch this headache film."
Transgender rights activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, who was touched by the transgender representation in Laxmii, said, “Any transgender is equal to any man or woman, which comes out from the film in a very strong way. I believe it is wonderful, and instead of criticism, we should appreciate Akshay ji for being such a strong man and doing such a strong film.”
Upset by the negativity surrounding the film, she added, “Some publications are opposing it, and putting up articles against it. How much do they know about reality? I am really shocked. What do you mean by that? There are many films I also acted in, nobody bought it. It’s a business. Without seeing a film, on the eve of its release, these articles are being written.”
The best part of Laxmii, according to Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, is, of course, Akshay Kumar playing the role, and how it has shown the current situation of the transgender community.
"Akshay was a hoot in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priydarshan’s 2007 flick which was also a horror-comedy. As befits a Priyan film, the strokes were broad, but there was some thought and structure to the film. Laxmii, previously called Laxmmi Bomb, seems to have been assembled as it went along, with not one coherent thought through it. How does a film, you may want to ask, whose leading man is meant to be a crusader against ‘bhoot, pret and aatma,’ happily stuff itself with babas, and protective ‘vibhuti,’ and a ‘three-eyed-coconut’ which rotates if it senses an evil spirit? Nope, not kidding. And as we are being very secular here, there’s also a kohl-eyed Musalmaan character who holds out a ‘taaweez’ which will keep our hero ‘mehfooz’? The threat of a Christian priest is held out too, but mercifully the script, such as there is, forgets about it," wrote The Indian Express' film critic Shubhra Gupta in her review of Laxmii. Read more here.
"Whattt! Mind-blowing! Fantastic! Climax of #Laxmii >>> Original Kanchana. Akshay Kumar sir Nailed it. He should get National Award for this performance," tweeted a fan.
"#Laxmii Horror + Emotion + Comedy + Social Message. @akshaykumar
What an awesome performance. All out entertainment !! Paisa Vasool," tweeted noted entrepreneur Vishal Gondal.
"Lacks the impact of the original [#Kanchana]... #AkshayKumar in terrific form, but weak screenwriting + forced comedy are downers... Gathers momentum in concluding portions... Expected so much more!" tweeted trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
"Super fantastic interval point for #Laxmii. Aa gayi Akshay Kumar ke andar aatma. Ab bawaal hoga, solid bawaal!!!! While first half has some humorous moments, expecting a lot of drama and thrills in the second half. Geared up already!" tweeted trade analyst Joginder Tuteja.
"#AkshayKumar I watched #Laxmii movie, your acting is wonderful. You are number 1," tweeted an elated fan.
Sharing a photo of himself posing alongside Akshay Kumar, Krushna wrote a sweet message of support for the film and its team.
Talking about the Akshay Kumar movie, and in particular the song BamBholle, Salil mentioned in a post, "Is there anything he cnt do ... saw it late but blown away by #BamBholle ufff @akshaykumar, the choreography, the power, the loom, the feel, the cinematography ... watte a statement the song is for the film #Laxmii #class will be watching it today."
Journalist Manoj Kumar tweeted, "Given that I have watched the original Tamil version of #Laxmii, which is #kanchana, I can say this with confidence that the film is not transphobic." He added, "Director Lawrence is known for giving acting opportunities to transgender talents to include them in mainstream Tamil cinema. So watch the movie with an open mind, you may just end up enjoying it."
Akshay Kumar shared this snippet and invited his fans to stream the Raghava Lawrence directorial on Disney Plus Hotstar VIP.
"Watched a good masala entertainer after a long time. #LaxmiiStreamingToday," a fan called Jahanur Raj tweeted.
While speaking to the Hindustan Times in an interview, transgender rights activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi said, "Any transgender is equal to any man or woman, which comes out from the film in a very strong way. I believe it is wonderful, and instead of criticism, we should appreciate Akshay ji for being such a strong man and doing such a strong film."
The Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani horror-comedy has released ahead of time. The film, which was supposed to premiere at 7 pm, is now available to stream on the OTT platform.
Everyone is seemingly upbeat about watching Akshay Kumar dance in the upbeat track "BamBholle."
Sharing a video earlier, Jackky Bhagnani tweeted, "All the best @akshaykumar sir for #Laxmii. This ones going to be epic, Cant wait to watch it!! We tried our best to emulate the energy. #BamBholle."
Vindu Dara Singh posted, "There is only the one & only @akshaykumar #BamBholle aap ho aag ke golle and can’t wait to see this super hit film 1st day 1st show on @DisneyplusHSVIP. It would have crossed 200Cr in the theatres any day and now will smash all records online ! #Laxmii."
Taran Adarsh shared the release schedule of Laxmii in international markets.
Farah Khan took to Twitter to share, "After AGES have seen a song that blew me away!! #bammbhole frm #Lakshmii Such energy n fabulous choreography! Kudos choreographer Ganesh Acharya n @akshaykumar who has danced like never b4,that too in a sari @Shabinaa_Ent @TusshKapoor & director #LAWRENCE All the Best."
Laxmii director Raghava Lawrence stressed that the film infuses social messaging about the transgender community with horror and comedy, and he is thrilled to have Akshay Kumar fronting the film. Earlier in an interview, Akshay mentioned, "After Kanchana released in Tamil, the movie received huge appreciation from transgender people. They directly came to my home and blessed me. So, in Hindi, when Akshay sir is playing the role, I believe that the message will reach an even wider audience. My special thanks to Akshay sir for accepting and playing this role." READ MORE
Kabir Duhan Singh tweeted, "Good luck @offl_Lawrence sir @akshaykumar sir @Shabinaa_Ent @DisneyplusHSVIP wishn you all a grand success #Laxmii."
While speaking to Maniesh Paul in a promotional interview for Laxmii, Akshay Kumar said, "I’ve been in my career for 30 years. But the character of Laxmii has been the most mentally intensive role I’ve ever played. But somehow I managed it. And I thank my director. He is behind everything about this character — how it moves, what it says and how it dances."
He added, "In a way, I have imitated him. If this film works, it is because of Raghava Lawrence." READ MORE
Sharing a video, Akshay Kumar asked fans to watch his film.
Laxmii director Raghava Lawrence took to Facebook and wrote, "Hi friends and fans. My Hindi debut direction movie Laxmi is releasing in #Disneyplushotstar at 7.05 pm today. Through Tamil movie Kanchana, I wanted to convey the pain and struggles of transgender’s and the movie received lot of appreciation from transgender’s community and the public. Similarly, When Akshay sir is acting in it’s Hindi remake, I hope the message will reach to wider audience. Normally actors won’t accept such tough roles but I believe Akshay sir being such a good human being he cares a lot for the society and previously he has given so many good message films. My special thanks to Akshay sir for accepting and doing this role and I’d like to extend my Thanks to sister shabina for the whole process of this film, tusshar sir , kiara Advani for acting beautifully, My DOP Vetri, my co-directors and to all technicians who worked for this film. I hope you all will see and enjoy the movie today at 7.05pm @akshaykumarofficial @KiaraAdvani #ShabinaKhan @TussharKapoorOfficial @foxstarhindi @DisneyPlusHotstarVIP"
"Can't wait to watch @akshaykumar as #Laxmii. Akshay Looking SOLID in this character. Laxmii Streaming Today," tweeted a fan @Akshays_Vickey.
Sharad Kelkar tweeted, "The D-Day is here! The Queen is all set to conquer your hearts with her atrangi avatar! Watch #Laxmii streaming from 7.05 pm today only on @DisneyPlusHS."
Laxmii was earlier scheduled to be released in theatres on May 22. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the film is now releasing on streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar on November 9.
Raj Bansal tweeted, "The arrival of @akshaykumar @advani_kiara's #Laxmii in Indian household today. Can’t wait to see a Big film after such a long time. All the best to the team."
Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh's latest tweet read, "NO THEATRICAL RELEASE IN #INDIA. There was talk that #Laxmii might release at single screens in #India. Not true. It's a direct-to-digital release in #India. #Laxmii will release in cinemas in select overseas markets. Shows have commenced in #Australia, #NZ, #Fiji."
Actor Sonal Chauhan took to Twitter to share, "My plan is set and popcorn is ready Waiting for 7.05 pm today. Can’t wait to finally watch #laxmii All the very best @akshaykumar @advani_kiara @Shabinaa_Ent @TusshKapoor."
A fan @akki_dhoni tweeted, "All people around the world are excited to see #AkshayKumar sir's never seen before avatar in #Laxmii movie. Movie start streaming on @DisneyPlusHS today at 7:05 pm onwards...This movie is gonna blast you cant miss it...enjoy with your family. @akshaykumar #KiaraAdvani."
Here's the original version of Laxmii's viral song Burjkhalifa.
Akshay Kumar posted a video where a number of fans can be seen doing their version of Laxmii's song BurjKhalifa.
Sharad Kelkar, who is also a part of Laxmii, shared this photo on Instagram and wrote, "Dhamaake se pehle ki shaanti ?."
Laxmii song BamBholle is crooned by Viruss and composed by Ullumanati.
Akshay Kumar wrote on Twitter, "Dher sara entertainment, horror and laughter is coming to your doorstep! Toh darwaza kholiye aur swagat karein #Laxmii ka, aaj shaam 7.05 pm baje only on @disneyplushotstarvip."
Sharing a poster of Laxmii, actor Tabu posted on her Instagram story, "Congratulations to my friend @tusshark89 on his first production #tussharentertainmenthouse @akshaykumar @shabskofficial Streaming today onwards!! Good luck and best wishes!"
Tusshar Kapoor is making his film production debut with Akshay Kumar-starrer Laxmii. He shared in a recent interview that it was a natural progression rather than a calculated career move. The 43-year-old actor said he decided to produce Laxmii because he found the plot of 2011 Tamil original Kanchana interesting. READ MORE
A troll addressed Akshay Kumar's wife Twinkle Khanna as 'Twinkle Bomb', and she gave a fitting reply. "The trolls are so helpful just when I was looking for the supporting image, here it is:)," Twinkle posted. "One tagged this picture with a comment, ‘Third class person. You make joke about God.’ I am almost tempted to reply, ‘God clearly likes a good joke, otherwise she would not have made you.’ By the way, I think I am going with the new skin tone and bindi look this Diwali like a true-blue bombshell :)," she added.
Laxmii was earlier tilted Laxmmi Bomb. Akshay Kumar and the film's co-producers changed the title just a few days before its release to “respect viewers’ sentiment.”
The development came hours after Rajput outfit Shri Rajput Karni Sena reportedly sent a legal notice to the makers demanding the title change, saying that the Hindu community found Laxmmi Bomb “derogatory” and “offensive” to Goddess Laxmi. READ MORE
Transgender rights activist Laxminarayan Tripathi earlier shared a video praising Laxmii trailer.
Sidharth Shukla posted on Instagram, "Really admire the initiative that Akki sir has started. We got to take a step beyond and show love, acceptance and support towards the third gender. Let’s wear the Laal Bindi and come together kyunki #AbHamariBaariHai unka saath dene ki jinhone aaj tak hamari khushi mein saath diya. ??"
Planning to watch Laxmii? Watch the trailer of Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani-starrer.
Tusshar Kapoor's sister and ace producer Ekta Kapoor took to Instagram to share a special note for him. She wrote, "A journey worth applauding! U have done it on ur own ! Took u seven years but so happy n proud that today u r a producer on ur own merit n choices ...that too with a superstar ! HIMMATE MARDA MADDADE KHUDDA ! Best wishes for ur movie JAI MATA DI!"
Laxmii, starring Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani in the lead role, will premiere on Disney Plus Hotstar at 7:05 pm today.
"#laxmii Deeply grateful to all these wonderful people who became a part of this passion project and made it happen! A true modern day classic in its fruitful, yet, tumultuous journey of 7 years! @kiaraaliaadvani @akshaykumar @shabskofficial @offl_lawrence @foxstarhindi @disneyplushotstar @farhadsamji my styling by @urvashishah9," posted Laxmii's producer Tusshar Kapoor.
Kiara Advani posted along with a video, "AbHamariBaariHai. Let's celebrate humanity by breaking gender stereotypes and extend our support to the third gender with the Laal Bindi - a symbol of equal love and respect."
While promoting Laxmii, Akshay Kumar asked fans to use the 'Ab Hamari Baari Hai filter on Instagram. Introducing the same, he tweeted, "Maine toh laga li hai pyaar aur samanta ki Laal Bindi. Now it's your turn to join me using 'Ab Hamari Baari Hai' filter on Instagram as a symbol of love and acceptance for the third gender!"