Hopefully, BellBottom Will Pave The Way For Future Theatrical Releases Including Sooryavanshi: Akshay

He was one of the first actors to take the leap of faith and start shooting a movie soon after the first lockdown ended in 2020. In his bid to adapt to the new normal and find a way to work around it, Akshay Kumar completed the shooting of BellBottom in record time and today, has a long slate of films — some ready for release and some in various stages of production.

- Rachana Dubey

In a chat with BT, the actor spoke about his first theatrical release this year and more. Excerpts:

You have previously worked on films that have had a real-life context. What was it about Bell Bottom that got you hooked on it?

BellBottom is also a story based on true events, and personally, I’m really intrigued by real-life context. So, I pick such content. The intrigue and thrill increase tenfold when you find out that an extraordinary incident actually took place. I love real-life stories. Before making this film, I also didn’t know about this chapter in history. I think a lot of people don’t know much about it as it is based on a RAW agent and a covert operation. Things like these are usually classified information. BellBottom is set in the 70s and 80s when India faced the challenge of multiple hijacks. During one such incident,a RAW agent whose code name is BellBottom sees through the plan and begins India’s first covert operation.

The trailer of the film reminded the audience of films like Special 26 and Baby, which were headlined by you. So, they naturally expect a similar degree of thrill and entertainment from BellBottom, too. Knowing your level of involvement in each of your projects, do these expectations play on your mind when you are choosing films?

Honestly, I don’t think so much, I look at a character as a character, and the film as a whole. If I like the script and screenplay, I go ahead with it. Whether it’s a hero’s role or a villain’s part, a 10-day shoot, or a month-long schedule... if I know it is something I’m going to enjoy playing, I do it. The above-mentioned films were successful, so, yes, in a way, it is like setting a benchmark for yourself and then crossing it.