New Delhi: Rukmini Maitra could be the latest Bengali star to make a bigger mark in Hindi cinema. The actress, who has built a name for herself in Bengali films
with performances in Chaamp, Cockpit, Sanak and Binodiini – Ekti Natir Upakhyan, is reportedly in talks for a key role opposite Akshay Kumar in the upcoming sci-fi action thriller Samuk. While her casting has not been officially announced, the reported development has once again put the spotlight on an actress who has steadily expanded her repertoire beyond mainstream glamour.
Who is Rukmini Maitra
Born in Kolkata, Rukmini Maitra is an actress and model who predominantly works in Bengali cinema. She began her modelling career as a teenager and went on to work with several regional, national and international brands before entering films. She is also an alumna of Loreto College, Kolkata. The college describes her as a model and actress and notes that she received the Times Power Women – Most Promising Actor award and the Jio Filmfare East Best Debut (Female) award in 2018.
Maitra made her acting debut in 2017 with Raj Chakraborty’s Bengali sports drama Chaamp, starring Dev. She followed it with Cockpit the same year. Both films helped establish her as a new face in Bengali cinema, and her performances earned her the Best Debut (Female) honour at the 2018 Jio Filmfare Awards East.
Her subsequent filmography has included titles such as Kabir, Kidnap, Password, Switzerland, Kishmish, Byomkesh O Durgo Rahosyo, Boomerang and Tekka.
Rukmini Maitra’s Hindi film journey
Maitra made her Hindi-film debut with Kanishk Varma’s Sanak in 2021. The action thriller, starring Vidyut Jammwal, also featured Neha Dhupia and Chandan Roy Sanyal. Maitra’s association with Varma is significant in the context of Samuk, as the filmmaker is now directing the Akshay Kumar-led sci-fi project.
Her move into Hindi cinema has been gradual rather than a sudden transition. Maitra has continued to work prominently in Bengali films while taking on Hindi projects, allowing her to maintain a strong regional presence even as she explores opportunities outside Bengal.
Binodiini showcased a different side of Rukmini
One of the most demanding roles of Maitra’s career came with Binodiini – Ekti Natir Upakhyan, in which she portrayed 19th-century Bengali theatre icon Binodini Dasi. The role required her to move away from the contemporary characters with which audiences had largely associated her.
Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee has spoken about Maitra’s preparation for the part, including her training in classical dance and her effort to understand Binodini’s psychology and mannerisms. The film was released in January 2025 and went on to receive recognition at international festivals, including awards for Maitra’s performance.
Her recent work has continued to show that range. In Haati Haati Paa Paa, released in November 2025, she starred alongside veteran actor Chiranjeet Chakraborty in a story centred on the relationship between an ageing father and his daughter.
Why Samuk could be a major opportunity
If the reported discussions translate into a deal, Samuk could give Maitra one of her biggest Hindi-language theatrical platforms yet. The film is being directed by Kanishk Varma and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, with Aashin A. Shah as co-producer. Akshay Kumar headlines the project.
The film is being mounted as an ambitious alien-themed survival thriller, blending elements of military realism, survival horror and science-fiction. Production began in the UK in August 2026, with an international technical team being assembled for the project. Oscar-nominated creature designer Alec Gillis and production designer Chris Peters are among the names associated with the film.
Samuk is expected to release theatrically in 2027. For Maitra, a prominent role in the project could be another important step in her journey from Bengali cinema to the wider Hindi film audience.
For now, however, her involvement remains at the discussion stage. Until the makers make an official announcement, Maitra’s reported casting opposite Akshay Kumar should be treated as unconfirmed.
