After 'Kaththi,' Akshay Kumar roped in for Hindi remake of Vijay's hit film 'Theri'?

Akshay Kumar is eyeing the remake rights to South superstar Vijay's "Theri." His team is in touch with the makers of the blockbuster; a formal announcement will be made once all the paperwork is done, said sources.

Talking to Mid-Day, an insider said that it was the box office performance of the Vijay-starrer that made Akshay interested in the film. "Akshay is keen to remake 'Theri' under his production banner and has initiated talks with the makers for the rights. Interestingly, the film surpassed the opening week collections of Akshay's 'Airlift' in the overseas market, especially Australia, and is still doing brisk business," the daily quoted the source as saying.

Meanwhile, an industry insider pointed out that there are other reasons why remaking "Theri" is a good idea. "The script is interesting and Akshay knows he can fit the lead role with ease. Once the paperwork is finalised, a formal announcement shall be made," added the source.

What's interesting to note is, if Akshay acquires the remake rights to "Theri," it will be his third film (officially borrowed from down South) after "Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty" and "Ikka," which is yet to go on floors. The first one, which saw Akshay serenade Sonakshi Sinha and fight terrorists with equal aplomb, was a remake of "Thupakki." "Ikka" is inspired by A R Murugadoss' "Kaththi." Both the films are blockbusters and featured Vijay.

In other news, Akshay has two releases this year — "Housefull 3" and "Rustom" — and both are in different spaces. In the Sajid-Farhad film, he essays the role of someone with a Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), whereas the Tinu Desai directorial will see him play a naval officer. The actor begins shooting for "Namastey England" after wrapping up Rajinikanth's "2.0."