Superstar Akshay Kumar says director Aanand L Rai was initially reluctant to approach him for Atrangi Re as the film belongs to the characters of Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush. Kumar, who recently gave the ticket success with the police drama Sooryavanshi, said he was sold on the unique and extraordinary story that Rai was trying to present with Atrangi Re. “This movie basically belongs to Dhanush and Sara, they are the main protagonists. I have a special appearance in the movie. Rai was sure earlier that I would say no to the film as it was a small role.
“But I liked the story, it really is an awkward (great) story. I never imagined anyone could tell a love story this way. So when I said yes to that, Rai was surprised. “He believed that there was only a one percent chance that I would agree to make the film and that happened,” said the 54-year-old actor.
Atrangi Re, which marks Kumar’s first collaboration with Rai, is touted as a twisted and intricate love triangle.
The actor said that he always liked the brutality of Rai cinema and that is why he was also looking forward to working with the director, known for films such as Tanu Weds Manu, Raanjhanaa and Zero. “He makes films that have their roots in reality. His focus is never on the beauty of his characters, whether he is a man or a woman. “It tries to show the raw emotions of the characters and how close they are to real people,” Kumar added.
He believes that if Atrangi Re can click with the audience, then the praise belongs only to Khan and Dhanush.
“This movie will only work because of Sara and Dhanush. Sarah is very professional and is an actress director. I think this is one of the best roles he has ever played. Dhanush is an elegant actor and an amazing artist. He has made many films and his first Hindi film “Raanjhanaa” was a landmark film. “In this movie, he has played very well,” said Kumar.
The actor said that the duration of his role in a film never mattered to him and whether it was a special appearance in the domestic production Oh My God or a small part in Naam Shabana, he always aspired to present something unique to the audience.
“It has always been my practice not to look at the length of my character and instead to choose a work that presents something new and unique to the audience.
“It’s not that I consciously decide to make a different film of a different genre after a film. I always follow my instinct. Whether it is an action role, a superhero role, action children, a psychopath, a criminal, a cameo role, a character role or any other place. “If I like a story and a character, then I will do it.”
Kumar has stated that he wants to work with new talent and young filmmakers. “There is a greed for new types of roles and the script that is coming. The greed of the young directors I manage to work with. “Every time I sign a new film, there is this hunger inside me that I have to give my best to it,” he added.
Ever since the trailer was released, there have been voices criticizing the age gap between Khan and her co-workers. As an actor, Kumar said he never thinks about the age difference between him and his co-stars. “I do not need to think about it. These things only people here can think of. It does not happen anywhere else. “Whether it’s Hollywood movies or any other movie from anywhere in the world, that kind of thinking happens all over here.”
Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Rai’s Color Yellow Productions and Kumar’s Cape Of Good Films, “Atrangi Re” will be released on December 24 on Disney + Hotstar.
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