Saif Ali Khan on what Bollywood can learn from Telugu cinema: ‘Treating their heroes like gods…’

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Saif Ali Khan on what Bollywood can learn from Telugu cinema: 'Treating their heroes like gods...'

As an ardent fan, I must say that Saif Ali Khan‘s journey into the world of Telugu cinema has been nothing short of mesmerizing! His recent foray into Devara: Part 1, a film that has been eagerly awaited this year, is just another testament to his versatility as an actor.

Saif Ali Khan, currently basking in the success of his highly anticipated film release this year, Devara: Part 1, has shared insights into his journey working within the Telugu cinema sector. He praised blockbuster hits such as Kalki 2898 AD and Baabhubali, while also expressing thoughts on what lessons Bollywood might glean from its counterpart in the south.

Recently, I found myself utterly thrilled to attend the India Today Mumbai Conclave, where none other than the charismatic Saif Ali Khan graced us with his presence for an open dialogue. During this conversation, he shared his thoughts on why Telugu cinema is poised to make a significant impact in the world of film, given that many Bollywood stars are now lending their talents to the South industry. He also delved into the unique aspects that differentiate these two dynamic and captivating industries.

The Devara actor stated, “Our focus has been on the West, and we’ve adopted a cosmopolitan perspective. In contrast, the South tends to be more rooted, as demonstrated by productions such as Baahubali, deeply embedded in our cultural mythology and history. Even Kalki’s portrayal of the Mahabharata in its final scenes leaves one awestruck. Moreover, commercial cinema should elevate its heroes to divine status, which is what we aim to do.

Beyond sharing my unbridled enthusiasm, let me tell you about an intriguing tidbit from Saif Ali Khan himself regarding his journey on Devara. In his words, the dialect was unfamiliar yet, with the camera rolling, it boiled down to nothing more than pure acting. He also gratefully acknowledged Kortala Siva’s support, stating that this assurance eased his nerves while filming on set.

Based on the initial assessment of the movie, Saif Ali Khan has presented a character that appears like a classic villain, which he has skillfully portrayed to make it uniquely his own. In his previous project with Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, the film Devara: Part 1 was premiered in cinemas on September 27, 2024.

In the first installment of Devara, the story delves into the life of a man who commands both fear and respect among four coastal villages called Devara. The narrative traces his transformation from a notorious dacoit to a legendary figure as he renounces criminal activities. Alongside NTR, Janhvi, and Saif, the movie also stars Shruti Marathe, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko, Narain, and Kalaiyarasan in significant roles.

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2024-09-28 09:23