In 2016, the Indian film industry buzzed with excitement as Neeraj Pandey and Akshay Kumar announced their collaboration on a psychological thriller titled “Crack”. The news sent waves across the country, marking the reunion of a celebrated actor-director duo renowned for hits like “Baby” and “Special 26”. However, despite the initial fervor, “Crack” found itself shelved due to script issues, fading into obscurity over time.
In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Neeraj Pandey expressed his openness to reuniting with Akshay Kumar given the right script. He affirmed, “There’s nothing at the moment, but why not? If there is something and when the right time comes, we would work together.” The director remained steadfast in his stance regarding “Crack”, asserting that if the film were to materialize, it would feature Akshay Kumar exclusively, reaffirming their unwavering partnership.
Amidst his foray into both theatrical and digital mediums, Neeraj Pandey has garnered acclaim with projects like “Special Ops”, “Khakhee”, and “Freelancer”, each resonating with audiences across platforms. With “Special Ops 2” in its post-production phase, Pandey remains receptive to the possibility of extending the franchise, contingent upon audience demand. Similarly, the prospect of “Freelancer 2” looms on the horizon, indicative of Pandey’s adeptness at crafting captivating narratives across diverse formats.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape of storytelling, Pandey embraces the dynamic opportunities presented by both theatrical releases and OTT platforms. He acknowledges, “These are exciting times that allow you to explore stories in different formats. It’s a great blessing, and with the advent of OTT, you can explore different stories at the same time. I will be making content for digital and theatrical.”
In essence, the narrative of “Crack” epitomizes the intricate dynamics between creativity, collaboration, and the unpredictable trajectory of cinematic endeavors. As Neeraj Pandey continues to captivate audiences with his visionary storytelling, the anticipation surrounding a potential resurrection of “Crack” serves as a testament to the enduring allure of artistic possibilities in the realm of Indian cinema.
