Ali Abbas Zafar: Post-pandemic scenarios have drastically changed, and “Bloody Daddy” should air on OTT, as we were quite clear about

Ali Abbas Zafar is one of the most active filmmakers working today. He has consistently delivered box office successes in the theatre. However, JioCinema offered a free screening of his most recent movie, “Bloody Daddy.” For its spectacular action scenes and the tremendous effort Shahid Kapoor put into it, the movie has gotten a lot of praise.

In his interview with Prateek Sur, Ali Abbas Zafar discusses a variety of topics, including how he persuaded Shahid Kapoor to star in an all-out action movie, why he decided to release the movie directly on OTT, how OTT is changing the game for filmmakers, how post-pandemic changes the rules of filmmaking, how he manages to give female characters a boost even in male-dominated movies, and much more. Excerpts:

You collaborated with Shahid Kapoor for the first time on the film “Bloody Daddy.” Tell us about the kind of relationship you have with him.

I’ve known Shahid for about 20 years at this point. I once worked on a movie where he played the lead role and I served as his assistant. The movie was titled Badmash Company. I’ve known him ever since, and we’ve always kept in contact in some manner. He kept telling me that we should do something together when I started working as a director. He phoned me after Kabir Singh and asked if I’d want to be in a sports movie. But the sports movie’s plot didn’t pan out. And I assured him, “Sir, I’ll get back to you when I’m absolutely thrilled with the role and am confident that it will do your fame and your acting talents justice.” Then Corona happened, and in the midst of Corona, I was working on a project that was an adaptation of the French film. I changed it slightly and grounded it in the narcotics department of Delhi NCR, and then I narrated the project with him, explaining what I wanted to do with it and how I wanted to approach it. He was overjoyed when we took over a zoom call. He was overjoyed. And he said, “This is the type of movie I want to make with you.” ‘Bloody Daddy’ then transpired.

What was the most difficult aspect to shoot, then?

The hardest challenge was trying to maintain the movie’s environment as authentic as possible. A guy who has spotted a bag of narcotics with his kid is said to have to turn them in at a hotel where a wedding is taking place and where there is a club where people are dancing. After Corona, there is a hotel that has newly opened. The concept was that until time is zero, nothing is really unreal. Since there aren’t any firearms in the movie, the villain doesn’t crack open a bag of weapons. because it has been moving at such a rapid speed. When Ivan’s character, Rohit Roy, is slain, nobody pulls a gun. In the movie, nothing is even remotely higher. So, the plan was to create a truly stunning thriller where the action makes you feel furious rather than awestruck. In reality, there is a lot of hand-to-hand combat and fighting. That action is not choreographed. It is a highly harsh motion, similar to striking or kicking someone in the air. Only a character like him would take such a brutal and grim deed.

As we have seen, Shahid has never before produced a full-length action movie. How challenging or simple was it for you to persuade him to participate in this project?

Action was necessary, but it was more crucial that he comprehend Sumeir Azad’s mood. He is not a very good parent to his kid during the whole movie since he acts like a poet. He is in an unhealthy relationship. He is a man of great responsibility. He is making an attempt to improve his connection with his kid. He adds, “Oh, tonight again I will be late,” and his son responds, “You know what,” as they are both getting into a car just before his son is abducted.

So the concept for the movie, and not just the action, doesn’t only come from my son’s passion. He realised that I wasn’t carrying out this activity to prove that I was a super hero. I’m taking this action because I want to get my kid back from these guys with all of my might. He realises that they won’t give him his kid back when he loses the back, you know. Therefore, all of those events lead to the central theme of “Bloody Daddy.”

‘Bloody Daddy’ reportedly cost over Rs 200 crore to produce, according to reports. So why not have the movie premiere in a cinema first? How can making the movie available for free on OTT help producers like you earn money?

No, absolutely not. nothing that comes close. Additionally, even if you split it in half, it still isn’t that way. The issue is that this movie was made with OTT in mind from the beginning. Post-pandemic circumstances have undergone a significant transformation. We were certain that this movie should be available on OTT.

Has OTT altered the way films are made?

OTT has altered the rules and increased both the excitement and difficulty of the entertainment market. Now, quality content is your rival regardless of where it comes from. You are constantly inspired to perform at a greater level if there is a nice play or movie on OTT or in a cinema.

You have created some of the strongest female characters in your films, like “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan,” “Sultan,” and “Gunday,” but ultimately, the hero is what becomes the buzz of the town when a movie becomes a blockbuster. Are you thus preparing something entirely focused on women in the future?

Of course. We are currently in the process of developing a few screenplays.

How can you assess your development as a director throughout the course of your career and how can you learn from your errors?

I still have the impression that I am new. The experience and the connections I’ve had with my actors and my films have been excellent and extremely fruitful. Being a part of popular films is a huge blessing for me. People are now familiar with my name and are aware that my movie is forthcoming, so that is like earning. I aim to maintain working hard and engaging my audiences despite the fact that the public now has certain expectations of the films that come from my side.

Most of the actors have worked with the filmmakers. They fully commit to a filmmaker’s vision. However, have you ever been forced to give up on your ideals?

Not at all, no. I always make the proper decision.

What will we see you producing next?

‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ will be my next song.