One of the most headline-making shows of the last one month has been Citadel: Honey Bunny. Starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the show is a prequel to the Russo Brothers created Priyanka Chopra-led show Citadel. Created by Raj & DK the show has been the talk of the town for many reasons. But it soon also attracted some controversy when suddenly the netizens noticed Saqib Saleem, who plays a pivotal part in the show, was actually absent from all the promotional events and even content. Turns out Saqib has now finally spoken about the show and cryptically said he is not the one who calls the shots. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saqib Saleem (@saqibsaleem) Saqib Saleem on Citadel: Honey Bunny row It was said that Saqib Saleem was upset with the fact that he is excluded from all the promotional content including the trailer mandjis character was seen nowhere. Additionally he wasn't even a part of the promotional events and interviews that took place before the release. Even during the premiere of the show that took place recently, the actor chose to give it a miss and was on a vacation in Goa. In an Instagram post where he has shared reviews that has praised him in Citadel: Honey Bunny, Saleem has shared a note. ‘I have nothing but love for the show’ He wrote, “Though I don’t have any behind-the-scenes shots, if you’ve looked closely at the promotional assets, you might spot a familiar face. I poured my heart into this project, and now it’s yours to experience. I’d love to hear what you think.. let’s make this blank space come alive with your thoughts! P.S. I have nothing but love for the show, and the reviews coming in have been truly amazing. Agent KD.” While the actor has not clearly conveyed on what exactly happened or went wrong, the post hints at some tension and that is not a good sign for the show. Reaction on Saqib Saleem’s post The post has garnered a lot of comments and reaction including that of Citadel: Honey Bunny co-star Varun Dhawan who wrote, “stop shooting at me.” To this, Saqib in a very fun way referring to their characters in the show replied, “Galti kardi tune waapis nahi aana chahiye tha tujhe Rahi.” Created by Raj&DK, the show is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Mid-day for more information on this.
08 November,2024 04:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIs there a novel way to revisit the chapter of India’s independence and the partition? Nikkhil Advani had the answer when he got his hands on Freedom at Midnight, written by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins. “I don’t think it’s a great book,” begins the creator-director. “But it appeals to me because it doesn’t take itself seriously. It speaks about the perspective of the authors, and [presents] Lord Mountbatten’s perspective.” Starring Sidhant Gupta, Chirag Vohra and Rajendra Chawla, the SonyLIV series chronicles the last one year before India got its independence in 1947. While Lapierre and Collins’ book served as the blueprint, Advani says the team had to be cautious while adapting it. “When we sat down to decide how to make this show, we had discussions about the possible controversies and how different sections may react. So, we thought we’ll follow the events as they are indisputable. The role that somebody played in those events is disputable. It is indisputable that everyone thought the partition would lead to the end of violence. Only Mahatma Gandhi said it would become worse,” says the creator-director. Nikkhil Advani Retelling India’s history is not easy. In the past, films—from Padmaavat (2018) to Samrat Prithviraj (2022)—have faced backlash and boycott calls. Was Advani apprehensive while conceiving the period drama? “No, because the book is the source material and has been in publication since 1975. The only thing I can do is put you in that room with the [leaders], or in the middle of the riots that were happening across the country. I am not colouring the events. All the riot sequences are black-and-white. There is no depiction of Muslim green or saffron [Hindu] because for me, the riots [were about] fear, confusion and madness. As a filmmaker, my job is to put you there, and then you say whether the leaders took the right call or not.” Freedom at Midnight is his second directorial venture of the year after Vedaa. The director admits he was heartbroken when the film underperformed at the box office. “It hurt terribly that Vedaa didn’t work. But it would’ve hurt more if the people who saw Stree 2 [that released alongside] thought it was a bad film and yet it fared well. Stree 2 was a very good movie.”
08 November,2024 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaZEE5 drops the trailer for its new series, ‘Paithani.’ Directed by the talented Gajendra Ahire and produced by Zee Studios and Aarambh Entertainment, the show stars acclaimed actress Mrinal Kulkarni as Godavari, alongside Eisha Singh as her empowered daughter, Kaveri. Premiering on November 15, 'Paithani' beautifully explores the themes of tradition, resilience, and the bond between mother and daughter. This series truly captures how, despite life’s challenges, the love and support between a mother and daughter can illuminate their paths, making every moment of their journey more special. 'Paithani'- a story of mother and daughter ‘Paithani’ tells the inspiring story of Godavari, a mother and master weaver of traditional paithani sarees. As she confronts the impending end of her illustrious career due to tremors in her hands, her unwavering spirit is brought to life by her determined daughter, Kaveri. With a heartfelt mission to honor her mother’s legacy, Kaveri plans to gift her the final saree Godavari weaves. But will Kaveri succeed in her quest? As Kaveri embarks on a relentless journey, Godavari puts her heart and soul into her last saree. Will their bond be enough to overcome the challenges they face, or will this moment slip through their fingers? 'Paithani' is a tale of love, sacrifice, and empowerment and it showcases how bonds of family can inspire strength and resilience in the face of life’s challenges, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what happens next. National Award-winning filmmaker, Gajendra Ahire, shared his vision, “This show is a heartfelt tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra, embodied in the beautiful Paithani saree. Through the journey of a mother and daughter, we explore themes of love, dreams, and the challenges they face together. Naming the show ‘Paithani’ symbolizes not just the artistry of weaving but also the cherished connections that bind us. It’s a proud moment for our entire team, and we hope to inspire and connect with viewers everywhere through the timeless beauty of paithani”. Mrinal Kulkarni sees parts of herself in Godavari Mrinal Kulkarni who plays Godavari expressed her excitement, “I’m honoured to portray Godavari, a character who truly represents the responsibilities of being a mother. Despite facing many challenges, she raises a strong and empowered daughter, who in turn empowers her mother. I see parts of myself in her journey, and I believe this role will inspire many while highlighting the importance of a mother’s love. Working with such a talented team, including director Gajendra Ahire and my co-star Eisha Singh, has been a wonderful experience. I can’t wait for everyone to watch this heartfelt story.” The 'Sonpari' actress shared the poster with her fans on her Instagram handle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mrinal Kulkarni (@mrinalmrinal2)
07 November,2024 06:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Varun Dhawan is on cloud nine as social media is abuzz with reviews of his latest web series ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’. The actor has been reposting reviews on his X account as the show premieres on Prime Video today (November 7). However, one fan pointed out that off-lately, Varun has been naked in his on-screen projects, which caught the actor’s attention. Varun Dhawan defends his naked stints in recent projects The X user wrote, “#CitadelHoneyBunny: 3 episodes dekhe abhi tak and maza aaraha ha. #VarunDhawan looks solid nailing it and #Samantha is also killing itVarun ke liye bura lagta ha bhai. Har director usko nanga dikhana chahta ha.” Varun Dhawan reacted to the same and replied, “Pura show mein mainly kapda hi paane hain maine woh bhi dekhlo.” Pura show mein mainly kapdaHi paane hain maine woh bhi dekhlo 😂 #CitadelHoneyBunny https://t.co/M73w3F6pZV — VarunDhawan (@Varun_dvn) November 7, 2024 For those unversed, Varun Dhawan’s film ‘Bhediya’ showed him naked as he transformed into a werewolf. His cameos in ‘Munjya’ and ‘Stree 2’ also showed him in a nude avatar. 'You will see a never-seen-before avatar of me' Varun Dhawan told ANI, "I think North, South, East, West...hopefully, everyone in India will like it. Please watch the show, guys. Samantha and I have worked very hard. The action is genuinely one step ahead of what you guys have seen so far. Hopefully, you will find this on global standards. For the first time, Russo Brothers are making a show in India. Raj and DK have made it. I think it's action like you've never seen it before. You will see never-seen-before avatars of me and Samantha." About Raj and DK’s ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ shows Samantha as Honey, a former struggling actress who is recruited by Varun's character, Bunny, to become a spy. The plot takes a thrilling turn when, years later, the two are reunited to protect their daughter, Nadia, from the dangerous enemies of their past. Packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences and emotional drama, the duo navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and danger. The series is set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1990s. Written by Sita R Menon and directed by Raj and DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK), 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' is the Indian installment of the global 'Citadel' franchise.
07 November,2024 01:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVarun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s action-packed web series ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ premieres on Prime Video today (November 7). As fans flock to the OTT platform to binge-watch, a clip from the show has gone viral on social media, which features a steamy liplock moment between the two lead actors. Varun Dhawan-Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s kissing scene goes viral ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ has some high-octane action sequences, but it is also very much loaded when it comes to the chemistry between Varun and Samantha. Social media is abuzz with the duo’s kissing scene that has gone viral in no time. Watch the video below. Samantha's first smooch on screen 😭💥. Samantha Ruthless Prabhu for a reason ❤️🔥#SamanthaRuthPrabhu #Samantha #Citadel pic.twitter.com/VFmpBMq3JI — 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 (@actress_snacks) November 7, 2024 Varun Dhawan plays Priyanka Chopra’s father ‘Citadel’ starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas shows her as Nadia Sinh. Her father in the series Rahi Gambhir is played by Paul Bazely. Recently, Varun Dhawan shared a montage of clips from the show where Priyanka tells her daughter in the show that her grandfather is the toughest person she’s ever met. A man is seen describing Rahi as a criminal and a terrorist. The video cuts to Varun Dhawan. ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ shows Kashvi Majmundar as young Nadia while Samantha Ruth Prabhu plays her mother. Varun and Samantha in never-seen-before avatars Varun told ANI, "I think North, South, East, West...hopefully, everyone in India will like it. The action is genuinely one step ahead of what you guys have seen so far. Hopefully, you will find this on global standards. You will see never-seen-before avatars of me and Samantha.” About Raj and DK’s ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ shows Samantha as Honey, a former struggling actress who is recruited by Varun's character, Bunny, to become a spy. The plot takes a thrilling turn when, years later, the two are reunited to protect their daughter, Nadia, from the dangerous enemies of their past. Packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences and emotional drama, the duo navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and danger. The series is set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1990s. Written by Sita R Menon and directed by Raj and DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK), 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' is the Indian installment of the global 'Citadel' franchise. Executive produced by the Russo Brothers' AGBO, ‘Citadel’ and its subsequent action-espionage original series span the globe, exploring the story of spy agency Citadel and its powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' premieres on Prime Video on November 7.
07 November,2024 12:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActors Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s web series ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ premieres on Prime Video today (November 7). Before we dive right into the show, it is paramount that as a viewer we understand the connection it has with the original ‘Citadel’ starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden. Is Varun Dhawan Priyanka Chopra’s father in ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’? ‘Citadel’ starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas shows her as Nadia Sinh. Her father in the series Rahi Gambhir is played by Paul Bazely. Recently, Varun Dhawan shared a montage of clips from the show where Priyanka tells her daughter in the show that her grandfather is the toughest person she’s ever met. A man is seen describing Rahi as a criminal and a terrorist. The video cuts to Varun Dhawan. ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ shows Kashvi Majmundar as young Nadia while Samantha Ruth Prabhu plays her mother. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VarunDhawan (@varundvn) About Raj and DK’s ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ shows Samantha as Honey, a former struggling actress who is recruited by Varun's character, Bunny, to become a spy. The plot takes a thrilling turn when, years later, the two are reunited to protect their daughter, Nadia, from the dangerous enemies of their past. Packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences and emotional drama, the duo navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and danger. The series is set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1990s. Written by Sita R Menon and directed by Raj and DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK), 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' is the Indian installment of the global 'Citadel' franchise. ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ is a stand-alone series DK told ANI, "This is a standalone series of its own. And we were all very clear, us and even the Russo brothers, that this show will have its own tone and flavor. We wanted to make a show that is true to India, with Indian culture, Indian sensibilities, while standing up to a world standard. We never wanted to make a show that looks like a Hollywood show; we wanted to make a show that looks like it comes from India." Executive produced by the Russo Brothers' AGBO, ‘Citadel’ and its subsequent action-espionage original series span the globe, exploring the story of spy agency Citadel and its powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' premieres on Prime Video on November 7.
07 November,2024 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwelve years after she made her industry debut, Huma Qureshi holds several lessons that she learned as a newbie close to her heart. Evidently then, when it came to extending support to her Mithya co-stars Naveen Kasturia and Avantika Dassani, the actor ensured the duo received the same help that she did, early on in her journey. Recalling an incident with late actor Om Puri from the shoot of Viceroy House (2017), she says, “We were filming a difficult scene in Gurinder Chadha’s film. It was my first international production, and I was overwhelmed. There was an emotional scene involving Om sa’ab and me. As a newcomer, I didn’t know what I could and couldn’t say. I didn’t know if I could ask for another take. Om sa’ab sensed that I was hesitating [to ask for another take], and said, ‘Gurinder, one for me.’ I looked at him, and he said, ‘Do one for me.’ It was an act of kindness. He was great, but he knew I wanted one more take. I can never forget that. A lot of people did that for me when I started out, so I try to pay it forward.” Qureshi, who features with the actors in the new edition of the thriller series, says extending a helping hand to artistes is essential considering the cut-throat competition prevalent in the industry. In an attempt to “break the dysfunctional cycle”, she steers clear of the tendency to treat others poorly simply because she was often subjected to hostility. “I have been thrown out of films and learned about it via the press. I keep telling myself that nobody is targeting me and that I shouldn’t play the victim card. You have to elevate your own game. However, today, I am vocal about how I feel if something wrong happens with me, even if I may not go to the media to discuss it.” Chadha’s Mithya: The Darker Chapter follows the 2022 original drama that explored the intense rivalry between half sisters.
05 November,2024 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaShahid Kapoor attended a special screening of 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' on Monday, where he shared some light-hearted updates about the potential sequel to the crime thriller 'Farzi'. The show, which became one of the most-watched Indian series of all time, has left fans eagerly awaiting news on Season 2. When asked about 'Farzi' Season 2, Shahid playfully responded, "Ask Raj and DK about it!" "But once the script is ready, we will start working on it. These things take time. And yes, as soon as they are ready, we will get on with it," he added. Kapoor also shared his excitement about attending the screening of 'Citadel: Honey Bunny'. Speaking about the show, the actor said, "I'm just here to wish everyone all the best. Raj and DK, Varun, Samantha, and Amazon, all the best. The show is looking very good." Varun Dhawan, who is headlining the show with Samantha Ruth Prabhu, attended the screening in full dapper mode. He paired a black shirt with matching pants. Samantha arrived at the screening in a shiny silver dress. Actor Sikander Kher, who plays a pivotal role in the show, too, marked his presence. Other stars who attended the screening included Arjun Kapoor, Nimrat Kaur, Neha Dhupia and Kritika Kamra. 'Citadel: Honey Bunny', the action series, written by Sita R Menon and directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK), is the Indian instalment of the global 'Citadel' franchise. Executive produced by the Russo Brothers' AGBO, Citadel and its subsequent action-espionage original series span the globe, exploring the story of spy agency Citadel and its powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' will premiere on Prime Video on November 7. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 November,2024 08:07 AM IST | Mumbai | ANISony BBC Earth Mini Series ReviewTitle: Mammals (6 episodes / 50-60 min each)Narrated by David AttenboroughSeries Producer: Scott AlexanderRating: 4/5 This stunning new miniseries on Sony BBC Earth is focused on Mammals and their remarkable resilience and adaptability that allows them to survive against all odds. As always, narrated by the 97-year-old, still sprightly Sir David Attenborough, with perfect intonations, precision and vivid, lucid elaboration, the series is a breathtaking tale of evolutionary specifics involved in combating a rapidly changing environment. From the Etruscan shrew, to stealthy leopards and social hyenas, species are spotlighted hunting, feeding, and going about their daily survival routines. We get to learn of little known mammal species and their vital roles within ecosystems. The intimate storytelling transports us into their world illuminating behaviors and adaptations with tremendous clarity. The use of groundbreaking camera techniques and night vision technology, lends deeper insight into their survival dance. The six-part series takes us all across the globe, through extremes of weather and climate disasters while showcasing a range of animals in diverse habitats exploring their extraordinary capacity to adapt to a rapidly changing planet. Attenborough reveals how the extinction of the dinosaurs some 66 million years ago allowed mammals to become the most successful, adaptive group in the animal kingdom. The series employs cutting-edge technology to bring to us in graphic detail how many of the 6000 mammal species use their intelligence, ingenuity and social bonds to thrive in fast changing high-risk habitats while human activity and rampant development stymie their natural environs and deplete their forest cover. The series explains that Mammals are found in every ocean and continent and the objective here is to show us how they overcome the many challenges put forward by the most successful mammal of all - us humans! Attenborough and the many scientists and researchers involved explain to us the many secrets of their successes. The first episode titled ‘Dark’ reveals how two-thirds of mammals are nocturnal and rely on heightened senses at night. It’s informative to know that most mammals turn nocturnal to avoid humans. We see how an amorous armadillo in Argentina uses smell to find a mate, a leopard using night vision to hunt Baboons in Zambia, a fennec fox in the Sahara using huge ears to hear prey and how the hyenas hunt as a team in Tanzania. Episode Two titled ‘The New Wild’ has us wondering how tourists in open vehicles endanger themselves while Cheetahs in African Reserves hunt their prey. We also see sea lions eating in a Chilean fish market, wolves living in a minefield on the Israel-Syria border and elephants turning on taps to drink water in a town in Zimbabwe.This episode especially focuses on the Mammals’ capacity to co-exist alongside humans in the modern world. The third episode titled ‘Water’ has us astonished at the sociability exhibited by marine mammals. We see air-breathing mammals negotiating the challenges of water. The sperm whale dives almost a mile down holding its breath for an hour, we see Macaques swim in Sri Lanka, Orcas kidnapping a humpback whale calf in Australia and false killer whales and dolphins cooperating in New Zealand. False killer whales, it appears, have developed a system of cooperation in order to improve their chances of survival. Episode Four titled ‘Cold’ gives us an insight into how mammals survive extreme cold with their hair, warm blood and ability to feed their young with milk. Mammals live in the most inhospitable places on Earth thanks to their remarkable intelligence and amazing adaptations. This episode shows us how Harp seals in the Arctic are weaned in just 12 days. We also see how global warming has affected Artic foxes, Artic bears, wolverines and their ability to hunt their prey. The penultimate episode titled ‘Heat’ focuses on coping strategies that mammals use to survive in the hottest conditions. Mammals have learnt to adapt to extreme heat in interesting ways. Mammals are also capable of outfoxing reptiles. We see a crocodile in Uganda guarding its nest but the minute it gets into the water, a baboon grabs its eggs. A sifaka lemur hugs trees in order to stay cool in Madagascar, an echidna blows snot bubbles in order to stay cool among bush fires in Australia and thermal imagery shows us how inbuilt blood capillary expansion helps Giraffes stay cool in Namibia. The final episode titled ‘Forest’ has us astonished at how Chimpanzees get honey from the deep underground and their stealthy attempts to hunt monkeys for food. Forests are home to two thirds of all mammal species. Yet in this crowded space, Mammals manage to forge their own trail. When a mother tenrec loses sight of her young, the tenrecs gather together and rub spines on their back to send out a noise only the tenrec can hear. We also see a Tiger hunting its prey in India. This final episode basically encapsulates how mammals take advantage of the rich abundant forest resources. The subject matter here focuses entirely on adaptability and resilience of Mammals and that is why it is different from Attenboroughs earlier BBC documentary titled ‘Life of Mammals’. The drama of survival is riveting as it takes us into habitats invaded by humans showing us how innate ingenuity allows mammals to survive in cities, towns and urban spaces while climate change and unchecked development narrows down their natural habitats. The camerawork is breathtaking, the animal captures, magical and the sequences shadowing their survival play are astonishing. The high-tech night vision stalking of the mammals as they hunt their prey looks ethereal. Infrared cameras capture an immeasurable number of bats emerging all at once with sensational acuity. The night shots of hyenas stalking a lone buffalo under the crater’s inky sky was difficult to watch. Kudos to the patience and determination of the directors and camera persons who have dedicated their lives to bring us this immensely captivating and remarkable series.
01 November,2024 07:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasActor Huma Qureshi is back to mesmerize us with her captivating performances, proving she’s a class performer. In ZEE5's recent psychological thriller ‘Mithya: The Darker Chapter,’ she dives into a dark world of deception and rivalry, sharing the screen with Naveen Kasturia and Avantika Dassani. With a string of hits starting with the letter 'M,' Huma’s lucky charm is shining bright! In a candid conversation, she reflects on her winning streak and the magic of 'M' in her career. Huma Qureshi shares, “The letter 'M' is very lucky for me—Maharani, Mithya, Monica, Oh My Darling—they have all been hits, and it’s a great feeling. It’s a great time for content and I am glad I am a part of this new wave.” As the second season of the ZEE5 series hit the streaming platform, the actor says that while choosing projects, her criteria are clear. To her, screen time doesn’t matter. “I always look for parts that have agency. Length doesn’t matter.” Qureshi has applied this mantra throughout her 12-year career. So much so that she turned down an opportunity to work with a filmmaker she admired, as the female character in the movie was depicted as a damsel in distress. She recounts, “This film was with a big star. But there was a scene where the goons are beating up the hero, while I am crying and asking them to spare him. I told the director, ‘I want to work with you and the hero. But this is bad casting! If I’m in that scene, I will dole out one or two punches to the goons.’ The director laughed and said we’ll work on something else.’” About Mithya season 2 Mithya – The Darker Chapter takes viewers back into the interesting psychological drama between half-sisters Juhi and Rhea. Juhi, riding high on the success of her book Dhund, finds her triumph short-lived when a mysterious writer, Amit Chaudhary (played by Naveen Kasturia), accuses her of plagiarism. Meanwhile, Rhea continues her relentless pursuit of their father’s affection, but will her desire for love and acceptance spiral into a dangerous game of revenge and manipulation? The series also explores the unraveling of family bonds, as the two sisters engage in deceitful schemes and moral compromises in their attempts to destroy each other.
01 November,2024 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rahman, who was a heartthrob in the 80s and 90s, made a mark with his work in Malayalam cinema over the years. After working in various South language films over the past four decades, he has now debuted in the web series space. "Being commercial actors we have reluctant towards smaller screens or OTT. But I know it is the future and it will conquer everything. OTT brought change in the media and entertainment. I have been getting multiple offers for web series in other languages as well. In fact I had almost committed myself to another Tamil web series with a great well-known director. Then I heard him and was struck by the story," he says talking to mid-day.com. Rahman is very well known for his cop roles on screen. He has played cop roles in films like 'The King & The Commissioner', 'Mohanlal', 'Mumbai Police', 'Sathyamev Jayathe', 'Black', 'Seetimaarr', 'Oosaravelli', 'Anjaamai', 'Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru'. After playing numerous such roles, he had decided on not playing any such roles but Najeem Koya's narration of 1000 Babies made him change his mind. Talking about what convinced him to take up the role of Inspector Aji Kurian in 1000 Babies that also stars Neena Gupta, Rahman said, "I was very attracted to the story. I had actually announced that I have stopped doing cop roles because I had done numerous such roles. That's when he came to me with the story and I was trying to escape. He is a great writer and out of respect I gave him the time. But when he told me that it is a cop role, I was a little reluctant. But that 10 mins went on to 3-4 hours as I got immersed in the story. It was a kind of story that I had never heard or seen since I watch lot of films globally to improve myself. Nowadays, a lot of stories have similarities with stories from across the globe. It is driven from different things whether from Bollywood or Hollywood. But this is unlike anything I have seen before." Watch the complete interview of the cast of 1000 Babies here:
01 November,2024 12:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarADVERTISEMENT
