Director Ali Abbas Zafar has gotten out of the 'Sultan' hangover and is prepping for his next with Salman Khan — a sequel to the 2011 blockbuster 'Ek Tha Tiger' titled 'Tiger Zinda Hai'
Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif
Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif
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Director Ali Abbas Zafar has gotten out of the 'Sultan' hangover and is prepping for his next with Salman Khan — a sequel to the 2011 blockbuster 'Ek Tha Tiger' titled 'Tiger Zinda Hai'. The film is currently in the scripting stage, he tells us, adding, "Salman is still in the middle of shooting for 'Tubelight'. It's too early to talk; I am writing the script. But, I am targeting to take the film on floors in 2017's first quarter."
While writing an extension of a successful film, filmmakers tend to follow a template or replicate the original. But, Ali doesn't have a checklist. He says, "I am writing spontaneously, going with my instinct. I chose to do the film because of the pressure of it. Directing Katrina (Kaif) and Salman (Khan) in an instalment of a successful franchise is not easy. But, I am focusing on telling a more relevant story for today's political climate. The characters are from the first part, but the story will be brand new."
Stepping into Kabir Khan's shoes is a mammoth task, but he is open to taking notes from the filmmaker whom he considers his mentor (Ali assisted Kabir on 'New York', 2009).
He elaborates, "As artistes, we have to look at things more pragmatically. Kabir is like an elder brother to me. We can be completely honest with each other and debate with an open mind. As part of the fraternity, this dialogue is necessary. We should get as many viewpoints on our material as possible. One instance or anecdote can help improve a story. There is absolutely no ego issue. Kabir always knows exactly what I am doing, and his guidance is valuable."
Ask him what can we expect from Tiger Zinda Hai and he says, "We hope to make an entertaining espionage. It will be good to see Katrina and Salman back together after five years. They are both smashing to look at and I hope I make them look even better. But, more than anything, I hope there is good content and that I am able to justify their stardom."
Is it a risk to make the film with two stars who aren't exactly known for their acting chops? "They have done it once together, they will rock it again," he says, adding, "Potentially, they are both phenomenal. No one can be a huge star in this country if they aren't good at acting. For me, an actor must necessarily have a connect with the audience. If the ticket payers are giving respect to an actor, they are the right judges to say whether they are good or bad."
Ali is looking forward to shooting at foreign locales.
"We plan to shoot at several overseas locations. Usually, my films are set in India. I often start a story in London or Budapest and invariably end it in Haryana or Kolkata. This time, the story will call for fancy locations; there will be a valid reason why the guys are in a new country. Finally, my passport will come to some good use," he signs off.
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