Siddharth Anand: Can’t make a misstep at any point

Shah Rukh Khan. Pic/PTI

What's special about Pathaan, the first look of which was unveiled online last week? The answer is unanimous - Shah Rukh Khan. The espionage thriller marks the superstar's return to the big screen over four years since his last release, Zero (2018). Director Siddharth Anand is well-aware of the expectations that surround the film. Ahead of kicking off Pathaan's latest schedule in Spain, he admits that his sole motive has been to make the movie worthy of Khan's charisma. "Pathaan has been designed as the biggest action spectacle from the Hindi film industry. We have the most-loved superstar of our generation with us. It is an honour and a responsibility for us. So, we can't make a misstep at any point. We ensured that Pathaan's date announcement video gave bang for the buck to the audience," he says.

Abraham in the date announcement video

The project, which reportedly sees Khan and Deepika Padukone as R&AW agents, was among the many films delayed due to the pandemic. Last week, the makers booked the January 25, 2023 release window with an announcement video that featured the leading lady and John Abraham. The team built on the intrigue that surrounds Khan by withholding his look from the film, only sharing his silhouette in the teaser. Anand says Padukone was their first choice, given her crackling chemistry with the superstar in Om Shanti Om (2007) and Happy New Year (2014). "Deepika's [addition] makes the film more exciting as the duo have delivered blockbusters in the past. Plus, we have John, who is undisputed in action. So, there is pressure to deliver a cracking product. I love the pressure and the anticipation," says Anand, who has delivered tentpole actioners in Bang Bang (2014) and War (2019).

Padukone in the date announcement video

Siddharth Anand