Akshay Kumar plays an Indian secret agent in his new film, 'BellBottom'.
Akshay Kumar’s latest outing, BellBottom hits theaters worldwide on Thursday, August 19. The film becomes the first major Bollywood movie to release in theaters post the pandemic outbreak early last year.
The actor shares his views on the risks involved in releasing the movie now, on the co-existence of theaters and digital platforms, and his new film BellBottom in a new interview. An edited excerpt from the interview:
Laxmii was the first major film that took the digital route last year and now Bellbottom will be the first one to land in theaters.
Both are different experiences which have their merits in their own individual ways. I think films are made to be showcased to the audience, one way or another. With Covid, circumstances have certainly changed over the past year. That means digital streaming was the only viable means of consuming content. However, I believe that beyond this, cinema theaters and OTT platforms can co-exist in harmony. A film like Bellbottom is made to be showcased to an audience in a theater where you are able to immerse yourself in the pictures, the Dolby sound and overall experience of being in front of the big screen. Given the circumstances, everyone is putting efforts into making the theater experience feel normal and safe again.
Tell us about your worst, best and most challenging moments from Bellbottom.
My moments from Bellbottom were splendid, to say the least. But if I had to answer your question, I would say … my worst moment was the fear of the unknown while shooting the movie amid the pandemic, observing new measures and protocols which we’ve never had to do in three decades (that I spent making films). It was ‘regimental’ (the discipline of following Covid-specific protocol), but that was only for our own safety and I am so grateful to Vashu Bhagnani Ji for making this mission, that was impossible, possible. Planning a film’s production is a Herculean task in itself. Add to that the safety and security of 225 crew members, and it becomes an even bigger task. Kudos to the production team, they did a stellar job.
Akshay Kumar and his team in a still from 'BellBottom'.
My most challenging moment was when we needed to meticulously observe a new way of work and in a way we were learning on the job. Nothing beats the pleasure of being on a set, facing camera, delivering a cinematic experience my audience has been waiting for.
And the best moment is that we are here. Releasing the film to audiences worldwide in cinemas.
What makes Bellbottom different from your previous films?
First of all, Bellbottom happens to be the first film I have shot amid the pandemic last year. So overall there is something very special in Bellbottom for me – it marks not only my return to doing what I love best, which is to entertain my audiences. It also marks a return for the audiences. They can enjoy the cinematic experience once again. With this film, I would like the audience to see and understand the life of agents, who are unsung heroes. They will get to see how they work selflessly for the country without expecting anything in return. Their contribution to our nation, more often than not, goes unnoticed and people should know about them.
You will soon be working on your next film with BellBottom director Ranjit Tiwari.
That’s right, after Bellbottom I’m shooting my second film with Ranjit. I’ll be getting my teeth into a genre I absolutely love but don’t often have a chance to perform in – at this point I can’t say much besides that it’s a through and through thriller. We haven’t started filming yet so it’s difficult to reveal much at this stage.
What is your idea of entertainment versus the responsibility of an artist towards the society?
I pick and choose subjects which I find entertaining and those that excite me. If they help in giving out a message to the audience, it is a bonus. Cinema does play an important role in disseminating key messages and spotlighting key themes and issues. So in that regard, cinema can educate, entertain, and inspire positive action. I respect the power that popular culture and stars have in helping to move the dial further, and wherever possible we should leverage.
(The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.)
