The massive success of Atrangi Re is based on many factors but one aspect that everyone is talking about the is the actor-director pair of Akshay Kumar and Aanand L Rai. They share a brilliant synergy and they have been vocal about how they inspire each other. It’s no secret that the filmmaker brought out the best of Akshay Kumar in Atrangi Re, and it was quite different from the other roles he’s done.

The good news is that the actor-director duo is once again set to shine in two upcoming films. The comedy-drama Raksha Bandhan, starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, will explore the loving relationship between a brother and sister. On the other hand, there’s Gorkha, a biopic that will trace the life of Major General Ian Cardozo, a veteran officer of the Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army (5th Gorkha Rifles). Both films sound promising thanks to the stories they narrate.

Previously, Aanand L Rai said, “Akshay Kumar’s simplicity is charming. As a director, I get inspired by his authenticity and honesty.”

While the director recognises that he’s working with a superstar, he also has the knack of bringing a side of the actor we’ve not seen much on screen. Akshay Kumar also enjoys Aanand L Rai’s style of filmmaking, and appreciates that it is rooted in reality and is raw. He said, “His movies are rooted in reality and the focus is never on the beauty of his characters, be they male or female. Anand tries to show the raw emotions of the characters and how close they are to real people.”

This appreciation and compatibility is reflected in the work they do.

(Photo credit: @aanandlrai)