‘I have never seen a martial artist perform like this within the framework of the story, keeping the other people safe but putting himself at risk constantly’ – Chuck Russell
Abhimanyu Mathur (BOMBAY TIMES; March 29, 2019)

Calling Junglee just an ‘action adventure film’ would be stating the bare minimum; for the film stars an actor who is also one of India’s finest martial artists, being choreographed by an action director who has worked with Jackie Chan numerous times. The end result is a collection of action sequences never seen before in Indian cinema. To put it in director Chuck Russell’s words, “The film has action that is structured with a real herd of elephants and a true Indian story. What’s unique about the action in Junglee is that it’s organic to the theme of the film and it moves the story forward.”

‘I WILL NOT LET ANYBODY ELSE DO THE STUNT THAT I WANT TO DO’
Almost all of Junglee’s action sequences have been done with no CGI, with Vidyut performing most of his own stunts, refusing to use body doubles. While it adds flair to the film’s action scenes, it was something Chuck had to get used to.

VIDYUT: I was not born into this film industry and it’s a different journey for us. Every time a newcomer wants to make a mark here, he has to do something nobody has ever witnessed before. In my case, I love doing what I do and I will not give anyone else an opportunity to do something that I want to do. I will not let anybody else jump off that cliff. I will not let anybody else ride that elephant.

CHUCK: I’m proud of the work I have done in Hollywood and I’m proud of the performers I have worked with. But there is a western safety protocol around these things. We are creating an entertaining illusion, where I can do three-four takes and it’s cool. What I learnt from working with Vidyut is that it’s an extremely unique style where we are using his actual martial art, and his fans worldwide expect to see something real from him. He is committed to the audience. He is committed to the real thing. So, the learning curve for me was that he wanted to do the real thing, no doubles.


‘THIS MOVIE WILL PUT KALARIPAYATTU ON THE WORLD MAP’
What sets Junglee apart from other action films is that it showcases Kalaripayattu, India’s ancient martial art, which Vidyut has pretty much made his own.

VIDYUT: We had to come up with something that represents the nation and it’s not always one of the sports we talk about. Thailand is one of the biggest destinations in the world because of Muay Thai. For me, it’s about getting Kalaripayattu on the world map the way Shaolin Temple is, the way Muay Thai is. Let’s get the mother of all martial arts at the forefront.

CHUCK: I was amazed because I thought I knew a little bit about martial arts because I have worked with martial arts specialists. With the Schwarzenegger team (in Eraser), there were all sorts of Israeli fighters. On The Scorpion King, we had the stick fighters and things were Shaolin style. Then I realised Shaolin came from Kalaripayattu and I was thrilled.

‘VIDYUT CHALLENGED ME TO SHOW ACTION THAT WE HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE’
Chuck says that he was constantly surprised by how far Vidyut was willing to push the boundaries when it came to the action sequences in the film.

CHUCK: He would challenge me and say, ‘What haven’t we seen before, Chuck?’, which is where the ‘chained to a table, fighting four guys’ sequence came in, because that is something I hadn’t seen before. There is a scene in which he had to run through a window, which was just a hole in a real wall. The window was the size of a belt buckle, and I told him, ‘You’re not going to jump through that,’ but he told me he could. It was my first learning experience that he really wanted to do it. I said that’s the easiest thing to do in CGI, I’ll put a window in afterwards, but I saw his commitment. I realised this is a guy who is actually doing it. I have to get that into my head and stop thinking of my tricks. He is an expert and he pulled it off beautifully and I learnt to trust him more.

‘THIS IS THE ONLY FILM SET VIDYUT HAS EVER BEEN INJURED ON’
The breakneck pace of action and willingness to push the envelope meant that Vidyut injured himself on set twice — a first for the actor, giving Chuck and the crew some nervous moments.

CHUCK: I have never seen a martial artist perform like this within the framework of the story, keeping the other people safe, but putting himself at risk constantly. During some of the action, I was a nervous wreck. I learnt this is the first film set he has ever been injured on.

VIDYUT: In Kalaripayattu, they say if you fall, it’s your karma to stand up and try again and give it your 100 per cent. If you fall again, you have not given it your 100 per cent. So, till the time you get it right, you keep doing it. I want to experience, I want to live it, and that’s why I’m doing it. Without injuries, it’s no fun.

Ahead of his action thriller Junglee, director Chuck Russell shares what he learnt from his celebrated works and his notions about Indian cinema
Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 27, 2019)

When we meet American filmmaker Chuck Russell at a suburban hotel, our first concern is obvious: Why Junglee? The director, credited for global blockbusters such as The Mask, The Scorpion King and Eraser, is making his debut in Hindi cinema this week with the family-adventure featuring Vidyut Jammwal. “There’s an old saying — 'the story chooses the teller'. When Priti Shahani (co-producer) approached me, I realised this is a dream project for any director. It has all the action-comedy elements that I love. But for once, there’s also a theme that’s important.”

Chuck is alluding to the fact that Junglee narrates the story of a veterinary doctor who clashes with poachers at his father’s elephant reserve. While multiple films have conveyed the challenges in protecting the large mammals from illegal hunters, this one’s packaged as “an entertaining, family movie that also makes it uncool to buy ivory”. Besides, it also ticked Chuck’s personal checklist for evaluating a script — “It pleased the child in me, the adult in me and the action fan in me.”

Shooting in Thailand in an elephant reserve, one of Chuck’s personal accomplishments was being able to capture the enormous animals in their natural habitat while highlighting an issue that’s worth driving home. “Why do we need ivory? A man wants to put a tusk on a wall to be proud that he killed an elephant? I am proud that I made friends with an elephant,” says Chuck who auditioned several elephants before zeroing in on the two who play prominent parts in the film. “The dog in The Mask is great because I spent a couple of weeks to cast him. Animals have personalities and the two elephants in Junglee are socially engaging, complex and charming. They’re in their natural habitat so they behave naturally. I didn’t want circus elephants who do tricks,” says the filmmaker who got his lead cast members (Vidyut, Pooja Sawant and Asha Bhat) to bond with the mammoth tuskers prior to filming to ensure their equation translated across the screen. “I’ve seen elephants being used as props in films — people doing Kung-fu while jumping off them or just posing with them. I wanted to create personal moments with them,” he says fervently.

Chuck’s first impression of India was carved by the Western movies he grew up on, featuring daring heroes such as Tarzan and Sinbad. “It gave me dreams of India. It was an exotic place — some of those depictions are clichés — but there’s also some truth to it.” Prior to taking up his first Indian project, the filmmaker who counts Sultan and 3 Idiots as his recent favourites, shares that his notions about India were largely based on films. “Through Indian films, I assumed that Indian culture was warm and joyful which was all wildly true. The music and songs are obvious, but what is not obvious are the family values, a sense of national pride and heroism that possibly connects to mythology.” He was determined to ensure his first Indian project packed in these elements and yet, had a global message. “The Mask taught me that we all laugh and cry about the same things,” he says of the film he considers his most gratifying work till date. The iconic superhero comedy was also one that taught Chuck to trust his instincts. “I also learnt that when I have a notion, I shouldn’t doubt it, because no one believed me then. The technology wasn’t available, Jim Carrey was barely known, Cameron [Diaz] had never acted before and the studio was very upset about me pushing her. Also, the combination of action and comedy was unusual then.” But when the film went on to become a stupendous commercial and critical success, Chuck was convinced — he needed to make comedies that worked in every language. “With Junglee, I want to create cultural role models that I could take back to the West,” he says.

The filmmaker who worked with a largely Indian crew in Junglee, says that he learnt to value his team when the guy responsible for creating the creature for his science-fiction-horror The Blob gave up prior to filming. “He just couldn’t complete it and we were left without the starring creature. This was in pre-CGI times and it was just the most impossible physical effects I ever directed.” Chuck sought help from friends to complete the 1988 cult classic but realised the importance of building a strong team.

On meeting Vidyut for the first time, the filmmaker saw the same potential he had seen in Hollywood biggies. “I’ve worked with tough actors like Dwayne Johnson (The Scorpion King) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Eraser) and I find that the global audience loves their vulnerability and humour. People love seeing a valiant hero’s vulnerable side. So my job with Vidyut was just to keep the acting part fun and polish the dialogue.”

Closely working with writing collaborators Raghaav Dar and Ritesh Shah, Chuck says that language was never a barrier. “We did our rehearsals in English and once we were sure, the Hindi writers took over. But by then, I knew the mood and the rhythm of every single scene,” says the filmmaker, adding that he could tell each time someone would slip up. “I have a listening ear for languages — even if I may be terrible with pronunciation. I could tell what’s going on and could catch them when they were sleeping.” He did consider the fact that all material doesn’t translate verbatim. “So, we had to change some jokes, constantly break character and do a lot of artistic work on the story because we are seeing it through the lens of two different languages.”

About the surge in OTT platforms and easy access to global content, Chuck says he “always knew the global audience well”. “We, as storytellers, can counter some of the negative media that’s out there. Business and technology are always changing. I can imagine my future adventures with multi-cultural heroes and that’s my dream.” But how is he coping with the pressure to deliver in a new industry? “I am more excited than threatened. Movies are well-known as an uncomfortable marriage between art and business. I want to entertain the global audience and my biggest sin would be to bore my audience,” he says with a smile.

Pooja Sawant and Asha Bhat will make their debut in the action-adventure Junglee, which releases on April 5
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 6, 2019)

Junglee Pictures’ upcoming family action adventure, Junglee, featuring Vidyut Jammwal and a herd of elephants, will also mark the Bollywood debut of two actresses. While Pooja Sawant will be seen as Shankara, the mahout of an elephant, Asha Bhat plays a wildlife journalist in the Chuck Russell directorial.

Pooja informs that her character in the film, which is produced by Vineet Jain and co-produced by Priti Shahani, is modelled on the only female mahout in India and for the animal lover, there can be no better beginning in showbiz. “I have rescued many street dogs and cats, and apart from it being a great script, I was happy to get the opportunity to interact with so many animals during the shoot,” she smiles.

Asha’s Meera is an ambitious scribe, fearless when it comes to chasing after her goals. “She is doing a newsbreak on elephants and that’s how she gets drawn into this world. She’s a force to reckon with,” she asserts, admitting that being surrounded by animals was an experience she will cherish all her life.

This was her first close encounter with animals. “While intimidated, I quickly discovered that elephants are quite pleasant and sensitive. And they never forget,” she quips.

Pooja is a big name in Marathi cinema, having worked in films like Poshter Boyz, Daagdi Chaawl and Satrangi Re. She hopes to get the same love and appreciation from B-town. And having spent a lot of time with the majestic beasts, the actress has become quite knowledgeable about them. “You never look an elephant in the eye as they take it as a challenge. And they will only bond with you if they are convinced you won’t harm them,” she says, adding that as part of her prep, she learnt how to feed, bathe and interact with them.

Prod her on co-star Vidyut and Pooja gushes, “He is the definition of hard work, discipline and patience. There is so much to learn from him.” Asha is gung-ho about Chuck, who has worked with Hollywood stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger (Eraser), Jim Carrey (The Mask) and Dwayne Johnson (The Scorpion King). “I couldn’t have asked for a better director for my first film, having Chuck as a mentor was phenomenal,” she exults.

The Junglee Pictures production offers some never-seen-before stunts with not just Vidyut, but both the ladies as well. “I have one action scene with Vidyut and he made the process really comfortable. He pushed me to do the stunts myself,” says Pooja. Asha confides that she enjoyed perfoming the stunts. “It wasn’t difficult because I have incorporated martial arts and fitness in my daily regime. It is all about flexibility,” she concludes.

Extensive bike sequence in Junglee has Vidyut Jammwal navigate wetlands
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; February 22, 2019)

Even though his upcoming film, Junglee, is based on the unique relationship between a man and elephants, leading man and adventure junkie Vidyut Jammwal didn't miss out on a chance to showcase his daredevilry in the offering. The actor shot an action sequence that involved an extensive and challenging journey made on a bike; one that Jammwal insisted on executing himself, despite director Chuck Russell's reluctance.

The actor says, "When Chuck narrated the sequence to me, I was ecstatic, because it [biking] was another skill I would get to acquire. I knew I had to do it. We went through [an intensive] training before shooting the sequence with the team of Hollywood bike director."

A major chunk of the sequence required the actor to ride across wetland, a task he deemed challenging. "The dirt bike has more power, and is quicker than regular bikes. We first learnt about the terrain, and then rode the bike through water and river beds. It was strenuous, and particularly risky to ride on wet roads. I had to be careful of the animals around me as well. I took 15 rounds of the terrain before being confident enough to shoot," says the actor, who delivered the final shot in one take.

Jammwal essays the role of a vet who discovers a poaching racket.

Actor Vidyut Jammwal on Junglee which opens on April 5, his first gangster drama and taking Commando forward
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 24, 2019)

2019 promises to be a busy year for Vidyut Jammwal with three films releasing within a span of eight months, the first being Junglee Pictures’ Junglee, which opens on April 5. Directed by Chuck Russell, the family adventure revolves around the special bond between man and beast. Vidyut who plays a vet and stumbles upon an international poaching racket at his family elephant reserve, describes Junglee as his most ambitious film yet.

“Poaching is one of the biggest social evils threatening the existence of animals across the world so it’s a fight for a cause,” points out the actor for whom working with animals was an enriching experience. “It is difficult as one has no idea how they will react to a particular situation. And you need to be real with your emotions because they feel you and hear you, is what I understood during the shoot. You need to have a clean heart to bond with them.”

Chuck Russell makes his Hindi film debut with Junglee and Vidyut considers himself fortunate to have got the opportunity to work with the director who is known for his Hollywood blockbusters like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action-packed Eraser and the slasher fantasy A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.

“Everyone is going West for films, but here an acclaimed director from Hollywood has placed his bets on me. Chuck launched Dwayne Johnson with The Scorpion King and he is currently the biggest movie star in the world. He also gave Jim Carrey his biggest break in The Mask. I’m hopeful that Junglee will be the film for me. It is his dream project and in me he saw the potential to break into this zone,” Vidyut exults, asserting that Chuck understands Indian Culture better than most Indians and has huge respect for it.

The 38-year-old actor spent a lot of time with elephant whisperers to get in sync with the animals he had to connect with, emotionally. “This particular relationship is built on understanding, you can’t command it. We have not made any films around animals in the last 25 – 30 years and thanks to Junglee the audience will experience a different world. The thrill is similar to The Jungle Book but the treatment is different. It’s the kind of film that I wanted to see when growing up,” he smiles. The film will represent the Indian martial arts, Kalaripayattu, on an international platform for the first time. “The trailer will be out by mid-February.”

After that there’s Power, Mahesh Manjrekar’s ode to the iconic Hollywood film The Godfather. Shooting is over, the film is presently in post-production. “It’s a romantic gangster film and also features Shruti Haasan, Sonal Chauhan and 50 theatre artistes. I’d describe it as a mixture of The Godfather and Devdas,” Vidyut informs, adding that Mahesh loves gangster films and this one takes him back to the Vastav zone. “It was challenging for me because I have never ventured into the ‘bhai’ territory. And while no one can play a gangster better than Sanjay Dutt, my director gave me a lot of confidence.”

As he gears up for Commando 3, the action star underlines the fact that he is the only movie star whose debut film has turned into a successful franchise. “I’m proud of the fact but at the same time, I know the responsibility of spearheading the franchise. I didn’t enjoy Commando 2 as there were some issues with the script which we have tried to rectify in the third instalment,” he says.

Aditya Dutt who directed the Rajeev Khandelwal thriller, Table No. 21, is on board and Vidyut promises that this Commando is nothing like the earlier two films. “A major chunk of the film has been shot in London and the team is now busy with the shoot in India,” he says.

Vidyut has carved a niche for himself in the action genre but performing his own stunts, leaves one open to accidents. The actor informs that training every single day keeps him away from injuries. “I was a martial artiste before becoming an actor. If everyone around you is well trained, the chance of getting injured is low,” he reasons, recalling how when he first moved to Mumbai he’d practice on Juhu Beach and trained with several like minded enthusiasts from humble backgrounds who thanks to their hard work and talent are certified stuntmen today and help him design the action sequences in his films. “Fifteen years, and even today we get together to train every day at 5.30 am.”

After Junglee, is a Hollywood film with Chuck on cards now? “We have not spoken about the future as the focus was on Junglee,” he concludes with an enigmatic smile.

Aarushi Nigam (BOMBAY TIMES; October 17, 2018)

Today, a jumbo-sized deficit finally gets filled in Hindi cinema. As Junglee Pictures release the teaser of Vidyut-Jammwal-starrer Junglee, get ready to get intimately close to a family of elephants and their adopted human. Run, ride and frolic with these lovable jumbos as the teaser immerses you into the jungle deep. You won’t want to get out.

With Junglee, directed by Chuck Russell, the venerable elephant returns to Bollywood’s centre stage after almost half a century. Shocked? Yup, that’s how long it’s been since Haathi Mere Saathi stole everyone’s hearts, and made them cry buckets. One of Rajesh Khanna’s biggest hits, and one of Hindi cinema’s most-loved children’s films, it was released in 1971. It has been 47 years since we saw the unbreakable bond of human and elephant on the big screen and the gentle giants taught us the meaning of love and sacrifice. The lesser-known Safed Haathi released in 1978, and since then, there has been a hulking silence.

The lack of children’s films is literally the biggest elephant in Bollywood’s room. Ask any child for their favourite animal characters from films, and you’ll only get Hollywood names in reply. Even the best-loved Indian jungle in filmdom is something we have to thank Hollywood for — the Jungle Book movies, which, for instance, also has one of the best-loved elephant characters on screen, the forgetful war veteran Colonel Haathi. But from George Of The Jungle and Indiana Jones: The Temple of Doom, to the Ong Bak series, to Water For Elephants and even the ‘Oliphaunts’ in the Lord Of The Rings films, the elephant finally gets a stage worthy of its size in Junglee. Kids will finally get their jumbo-sized heroes without bumpy dubbing!

Junglee has everything to take kids and animal lovers on a rollercoaster ride alright, but it’s not just a jungle-gym style adventure. It’s also a gripping story about the importance of protecting those we share the earth with. The film tells the story of a young veterinarian “who must return to an elephant preserve in the jungle, when the elephants he loved as a boy are in jeopardy from an international gang of poachers,” says director Chuck Russell, who has films like The Mask and The Scorpion King to his credit. Earlier, Chuck had told us that he wanted to address the global problem of ivory poaching with a uniquely Indian story. “My goal is to make a film that is true to India, but uses the music, dance and the wonderful artists in Bollywood to tell a universal story about returning to the natural world,” he had said.

In a country where Ganesha is so omnipresent, the director of an ‘elephant film’ can’t be unaware of its significance. Russell had told us he hoped to be able to capture that sentiment with Junglee. “I am familiar with Ganesha from the incredible artwork I’ve seen,” he had told us, “I’m quite fascinated with mythology from various cultures... I also see God in these animals. Maybe I can express a little of that in the film. The fact that the positive spirit of animals is reflected in Hanuman, Ganesha and other deities means Indian culture recognises that spirit.”

Junglee – directed by Chuck Russell, produced by Vineet Jain and co-produced by Priti Shahani – releases in cinemas on April 5, 2019.

Actor in the list of top six martial artists in the world; promises to wow in his upcoming family-adventure, Junglee Pictures’ Junglee, with the use of seven unique weapons
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 31, 2018) 

Looper, a coveted platform in the US, recently released a list of top martial artists across the world. Vidyut Jammwal is the only Indian to be featured in this prestigious list, among the top six. Speaking to Mirror about this unique achievement, the actor admits it’s a matter of great pride. “I’m humble enough to know that I’m not better than anybody, and wise enough to know that I’m different from the rest. Kalaripayattu is what gives me this belief,” he asserts.

Born into a family that practises the ancient Indian martial arts form, Vidyut started learning Kalaripayattu when he was just three years old and today can emulate the masters by balancing his entire body on a lone spear (pic above). “There are no cables involved, it’s all about activating the core. Kalaripayattu is not about building the body, it’s about harnessing your inner strength,” he explains, admitting it requires years of training, months of single-minded dedication and hours of daily practice to not just pull off these exercises but understand the philosophy, which makes Kalaripayattu unique. “It can kill, and it can heal too!” Vidyut reiterates.

His knowledge and skills in this martial arts form give him an advantage as an actor too because he can showcase action which has never been seen on screen in India or internationally. Pointing to two of his favourite stunts, Vidyut reminisces how he summersaulted over a moving car in Commando and in its sequel, flew to the top of a car and below it, without a harness or using a stunt double.

The actor admits that being too tall and too big, it’s difficult for him to fit into small spaces, yet in every one of the nine films he’s done so far, he’s overcome this challenge. “From wriggling into an AC duct to squeezing out of a small window in a hospital and even a car, I have done it all,” he beams, saying when the mind is willing the body automatically follows.

He goes on to point out that when Tom Cruise does a stunt in a Hollywood film, it costs big but while neither the original Force nor Commando 1 and 2 were lavishly mounted films, his daredevilry in them has been appreciated. “Today, people across the world acknowledge that it’s not about how much we spend but what we create that makes the difference,” he argues, and is quick to add that he admires Cruise who has made so many impossible missions possible over the years, maintaining the consistency in his action even at 50-plus and doing stunts with the same proficiency as when he was younger.

So, what sets Vidyut apart from other martial artists? It’s that he brandishes weapons, be it swords, sticks, guns or the urumi, which he uses to devastating effect in his upcoming family-adventure, Junglee Pictures’ Junglee. “The urumi is a sword with a flexible whip-like blade originating in South India. It is one of the most difficult weapons to master because one stands the risk of injuring oneself. So, it is taught last in Kalaripayattu and is a speciality of the Indian martial arts. I’ve used the real thing in the film,” he informs proudly.

He has used seven different weapons in Junglee which has just wrapped up, including the otta. “Kalaripayattu is the only martial arts to use the otta or elephant tusk. It’s difficult to wield and as dangerous as the urumi,” he admits. In the film, the actor has an elephant as his co-star and asserts that the well being of the animal was top priority on the sets. “The toughest thing when working with animals is keeping them safe if you are not using too many computer graphics. The producers and Chuck (Russell, director) were very careful we did not even leave even a scratch on the animals during the shoot,” he informs.

Chuck, who has to his credit Hollywood biggies like The Mask, Scorpion King and The Eraser, is gung-ho about his hero, saying it’s great to see Vidyut being noted as the rising star in action films across the world. “He has a rare combination of cinematic charm and killer moves that will make him unstoppable after Junglee. What really distinguishes Vidyut is his deep knowledge of Kalaripayattu and his understanding of its philosophy to not just use it to protect and fight, but heal too,” applauds Chuck, happy to have created a role for the actor in his film that plays to his unique action style while advocating a positive message. “I can’t wait for audiences to see it on screen.”

BOMBAY TIMES (February 10, 2018)

Vidyut Jammwal is currently shooting for his next film Junglee, which is being directed by Hollywood filmmaker Chuck Russell (the director of The Mask, The Scorpion King). Jammwal, who is trained in martial arts, prefers doing almost all of his stunts himself, and has established himself as an action hero. Recently, while shooting for one of the many action sequences in the film, Jammwal ended up with a rather serious injury — swinging from a harness for the scene, he hit his head against a metal structure. The actor took a break to get himself treated, and soon after, though bloodied and bandaged, he continued with the shoot. “When you do real, live action, the injuries are real. You have to expect injuries,” he says.

An impressed Russell says, “I have worked with many action heroes (like Dwayne Johnson, Arnold Schwarzenegger), and Vidyut’s athleticism and the ability to do action is phenomenal. I am very impressed.”

Produced by Junglee Pictures, the film tells a unique story of a family and their relationship with elephants.

Actor joins Hollywood filmmaker Chuck Russell’s action-adventure, Junglee, in Thailand that kicked off last week
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 13, 2017)

Vidyut Jammwal who kicked off shooting for his upcoming action-adventure Junglee in Thailand on December 5, was joined by Gurgaon and Laal Rang actor Akshay Oberoi this week. Akshay will play Vidyut’s childhood buddy and in the film, both their characters grew up around elephants on the same reserv and have a common mission to protect the animals there. Directed by Chuck Russell (of Jim Carrey’s The Mask and Dwayne Johnson-starrer The Scorpion King fame), the Junglee Pictures production is being shot by celebrated cinematographer Mark Irwin, best known for Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary.

“I grew up on a steady dose of Chuck Russell films and remember watching Eraser and A Nightmare on Elm Street, after which I bought a pair of Freddie Krueger shoes,” Akshay told Mirror, speaking from the Chiang Mai Elephant Reserve and Jungle Sanctuary where the unit is presently filming. Akshay and Vidyut are filming with four elephants, including Un, a therapy elephant who plays an integral part in the narrative which focuses on the man-beast friendship in its attempt to stop poaching in Orissa. “It’s an incredible story and when I was told it was a Chuck Russell film, there was no turning back. I had a meeting with Junglee Pictures’ Priti Shahani and also read the part for a filmmaker I idolise and greenlit the project immediately,” Akshay adds.

The actor, who will next be seen in Akshat Verma’s Kaalakaandi, also informs that Chuck is an animal-whisperer and almost all his films have featured animals. “It’s exciting to work with him and his team. Just being in the same frame as these huge elephants is an experience in itself and I’m sure it will be a cinematic spectacle too,” Akshay promises, adding that to match Vidyut’s skills as a martial artiste he has begun training in Kalaripayattu with Thai trainers this week. “I will be seen doing things I’ve never done before,” he signs off excitedly.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; August 29, 2017)

With films like The Mask, The Scorpion King and A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors to his credit, you cannot bracket Chuck Russell into any one genre. The American filmmaker is now set to widen his horizon further, with a foray into mainstream Bollywood. With Vidyut Jammwal as his leading man, the director will be broaching the subject of poaching in Junglee, an action-adventure film to be shot in Kerala
Anshul Chaturvedi and Aarushi Nigam (BOMBAY TIMES; August 3, 2017)

Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 31, 2017)