Ranbir Kapoor: It doesn’t mean my value system has changed

After Barfi (2012), the late Rishi Kapoor had surprised many when he said that he did not agree with actor-son Ranbir Kapoor's film choices, even stating that he was "going the Amol Palekar way." Shamshera is the antithesis to the grounded stories that Ranbir gravitates to. After all, it's the story of a larger-than-life hero taking on the British Raj, neatly packaged in a big-budget Yash Raj Films' offering. So, has the industry pressure altered his choices? "When I read the script, I felt I would be dumb to let this film go," begins Ranbir. "A big scale, adventure, and an action bonanza - it had everything. In the film, I play a double role, both drastically different. [With my films], I am only trying to be authentic to myself. When I started my career, I wanted to choose the films I connected with. I didn't put a lot of thought behind it. You can't make cinema by planning. Just because I did Wake Up Sid [2009] and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year [2009] then, and am doing Shamshera and Brahmāstra now, it doesn't mean my value system has changed. I waited for roles like these, and they eventually came to me. Everything has been instinctive. That, and a lot of luck."

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The drama, also starring Sanjay Dutt and Vaani Kapoor, comes four years after Ranbir's last release, Sanju (2018). While the biopic had taken the box office by storm, much has changed in the interim. Shamshera hits the big screen at a time when most films are failing to strike gold. To its advantage, Karan Malhotra's directorial venture aligns with the formula films that are working at the box office.

A still from Shamshera

"Shamshera isn't a formula film," the actor cuts in. "I don't think cinema has a formula. It is about offering an engaging story and a larger-than-life experience. I am glad that my movie has all the attributes that are popular these days."

Having been part of the industry and several successful films over the past 15 years, Ranbir admits there has been a gradual shift in him. "With this release, I am feeling the emotions I felt during my first few films. I am hoping that the audience likes it. I was far more passionate about the result when I was younger. Today, I am far more invested in my relationships. As I am growing older, I am enjoying the process of acting. I love this quote from 3 Idiots: Kaabil bano, tarakki jhak maar ke peechhe aayegi. The important thing is to have a great day every day." He has learnt his lessons from the highs and the lows. If the runaway success of Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (2013) taught him the value of enjoying one's work, the underwhelming performance of his production Jagga Jasoos (2017) taught him resilience. "One Friday can make you, the next can break you. All you can do is be true to your work. To be honest, I have never felt very successful. So, I have never felt failure as much."

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The introverted actor admits that a film set is his happy space. "People tell me this is my comeback film. But when did I ever go anywhere? I have worked on Brahmāstra and Shamshera for 340 days collectively. I have been working constantly. I had a huge personal setback when I lost a parent. It is a void in my life, but life has its ups and downs. As of today, life is looking up for me," he beams, referring to his marriage to Alia Bhatt earlier this year. The couple is expecting their first child in November.