Hrithik Roshan: Making films of this magnitude takes time

Hrithik Roshan in Krrish 4

Some roles hold a special place in an actor's filmography. To Hrithik Roshan, whose résumé is embellished with diverse characters, Krrish is that role. The franchise that began with Koi Mil Gaya in 2003 has now reached its fourth instalment. While Krrish 4 was initially announced as a 2020 release, the film has been delayed due to the narrative's demand for superlative special effects. Amid reports that the superhero film will roll in the second half of next year, Hrithik says prep is on in full swing on the Rakesh Roshan production. "We aim to make a film on par with global standards. The script is being locked, the research work is on, and we are building the technical team. Making films of this magnitude takes time," says the actor.

While the last three offerings in the franchise were helmed by Rakesh, there is no confirmation yet on who will wield the directorial baton for the upcoming instalment. Even as he stays mum on the matter, Hrithik assures that the new movie won't be lacking in dedication, stating, "You can expect a lot of hard work being put in by each and everyone working on the future of Krrish."

Getting the superhero film right on all counts is crucial to the actor, since it has its roots in his career's most definitive film - Koi Mil Gaya. The sci-fi drama had not only sealed his position as one of the finest actors of his generation, but also helped him break the Greek God image as he played a young boy with developmental disability. "By shedding the glamour, I adorned imperfection - messy hair and baggy clothes - but strived for the best when it came to my craft. I spent days doing vocal exercises to get Rohit's [his character] voice and tone. I stopped reading newspapers, locked myself in a hotel room and binge-watched cartoons to [get into the mindset] of a nine-year-old," he recalls, as the Rekha and Preity Zinta-starrer clocks 20 years of release.

Today, the industry is flirting with big-budget superhero spectacles - from Brahmāstra (2022) to The Immortal Ashwatthama. Hrithik, who cracked the genre with the franchise, points out that such movies work only if emotions are woven into the narrative. "At the heart of Koi Mil Gaya was a plethora of emotions - be it the track with Rohit and his mother, his friendship with the kids, his relationship with Nisha [Zinta's character], or his love for Jadoo. With Jadoo, there was a subtle messaging of inclusivity. The film also gave out the message that bullying is not cool, that co-existence is possible. I always believe in films that have a storyline and character arcs that engage the audience. I'm never excited by films that are events stitched up and termed as spectacles."