Shah Rukh Khan, who made a smashing comeback with Pathaan and Jawan in 2023, has impressed fans and critics alike with his versatility and charisma. The superstar teamed up with acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Atlee for Jawan, which is an action thriller that features SRK in a double role. The film has been a huge success at the box office, breaking several records and becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2023. In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, Atlee spoke about his experience of working with SRK and how he wrote Jawan as his ‘love letter’ to the actor.
How SRK persuaded Atlee to make a Bollywood film for everyone
Atlee said that he never planned to make a Bollywood film, but SRK persuaded him to make a film for everyone, not just a specific region. He said that SRK was humble and sweet to approach him and say that he would make a difference. He added that SRK was supportive throughout the process, constantly checking in and offering help.
Atlee revealed that he started writing Jawan after finishing his previous film, Bigil. He said that he wanted to make a film that would showcase SRK’s versatility and charisma. He said that he wrote Jawan as his love letter to SRK, who has been his inspiration since childhood.
He was quoted saying, “I have never thought that I’m going to make a Bollywood film. Shah Rukh sir said, “Let’s make a film for everyone.” It’s an Indian film. So it’s not only for Bollywood, South, West, or East; it’s for everyone. Shah Rukh sir has a good heart. He was humble and sweet to come and say to just a four-film-old director, “Can you make a film with me?” And I was surprised and speechless when he said that I’d make a difference. I was so happy, I pinched myself. The meetings continuously happened between us every now and then. He used to call me and ask, “How’s it going? No pressure, all going well?” He didn’t ask whether the script was ready or if you were thinking about it. But he was always looking to see whether I’d made the right film at that time. When I was making Bigil, he was always behind me and said that the film was coming up well. If you need any help, let me know. Finally, after finishing Bigil, I started writing. I started my love letter to Shah Rukh Khan.”
(Also read: “If Aryan Khan would have directed Shah Rukh Khan”, Jawan Director Atlee Shares An Interesting Anecdote)
Atlee praised SRK as a producer
Atlee also praised SRK’s role as a producer and said that he was serious and supportive of the director and the technician’s vision. Atlee continued, “We all know him, but being closer to him, I got to know him much better. By heart, he is simple and he knows his craft well. He knows how to make a film. He’s a serious producer. He can be extremely supportive of the director and the technician and their vision to make the film better and better. I think I was blessed to have him in my fifth film. I think my graph and ideology have improved and become better.”
On asking if there’s a film with Thalapathy Vijay and Shah Rukh Khan together, the director said, “Oh yes, back then, there was a rumour saying that Vijay and Shah Rukh were coming together. Good things always happen to me. Let’s see.”
Jawan, which also stars Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone (in a special appearance), Priyamani and Sanya Malhotra, was released on September 7, 2023, coinciding with Janmashtami. The film has grossed over ₹1,146 crore (US$140 million) worldwide and has become the highest-grossing Indian film of all time.
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