On Portraying a Raw, Unapologetic Indian Character
Playing a character so raw and unapologetically Indian has been a source of immense pride for me. Being part of this movie feels like contributing to a bigger vision—taking Indian cinema to the global stage. While I usually avoid discussing the process, I am thrilled to be part of a project that strives to push boundaries and represent India’s cinematic talent internationally. This truly feels like India’s moment on the world stage, and we are proud to be at the centre of it.
About the Film
The film is a complex, layered story executed with technical finesse that will leave audiences amazed. The visual world created in this film is unparalleled and can stand alongside any cinema globally. The team behind it deserves all the praise for crafting such a breathtaking experience.
Initial Reaction to the Story
When I first heard the story, I was blown away. It’s an incredible, true tale that mesmerizes from start to finish. Dense, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining, the narrative strikes a rare balance—it’s “massy” without ever feeling forced. The story is pitch-perfect, credible, and undeniably commercial, hitting that sweet spot every filmmaker aspires to achieve. I am immensely proud to be part of it.
On Pairing With Sara Arjun
Sara is a prodigy, reminiscent of Dakota Fanning in Hollywood. Out of thousands of candidates, she landed this role as if she was born to play it. Beyond her precocious talent, she is one of the finest actors I have ever shared the screen with. Her performance elevates everyone around her, and working with her was an absolute privilege.
On Working With R. Madhavan
Growing up, I have always admired Madhavan-sir’s work, and it still feels surreal that I did a film with him. He is a masterclass in acting, and I am grateful for his generosity and kind words on set. His performances in Mani Ratnam’s films set benchmarks for Indian actors globally. In this film, many viewers may not recognize him in the teaser until his name appears—a testament to the hard work he put in, spending hours in prosthetics daily. I can’t wait for the world to see it.
On Arjun Rampal’s Look and Performance
Arjun-sir is famously considered one of the most good-looking men on earth, but his depth and range as an actor are increasingly being appreciated. His on-set presence was both inspiring and uplifting, even as he frequently dealt with injuries during shooting. Women on set couldn’t help but crush on his imposing look, and his acting has been impeccable throughout. I am thankful for the way he elevated the entire experience on set.
