Atlee opens up about his blockbuster film ‘Jawan’ and working with Shah Rukh Khan

Approaching Shah Rukh Khan

If we had to just rewind five years back, when you met Shah Rukh Khan, did you have any inhibitions about approaching him?

• Narrated the story to him in 2020 on a Zoom call.
• Had never narrated a film on a Zoom call before.
• Shah Rukh Khan readily agreed to listen to the script on a Zoom call.
• After a three and a half hour narration, the script was greenlit.

Homages in ‘Jawan’

The audience is convinced ‘Jawan’ has lots of homages for popular South movies and stars.

• Atlee comes from a base where he learned the craft from renowned directors and superstars.
• ‘Jawan’ reflects the influences of movies by Rajinikanth sir, Kamal Haasan, Baahubali, KGF, and more.

Success and Flops

How does it feel to be the director who’s never given a flop?

• Atlee believes in creating films that make him genuinely happy and responsible.
• He focuses on creating happiness for his audience and measures success by their response.
• Ratio-wise, he doesn’t ponder about successful or unsuccessful films.

Vijay Sethupathi’s Role

Thoughts on Vijay Sethupathi’s role as the antagonist in ‘Jawan’.

• Many fans enjoyed Vijay Sethupathi’s performance but wanted to see more of him onscreen.
• Atlee believes in leaving a good taste and knowing when to intrigue the audience and create curiosity.
• He is happy with how all the characters in the movie had their time and space.

Possibility of a Sequel

There is curiosity and excitement for a sequel to ‘Jawan’.

• Atlee hasn’t thought about doing a sequel yet.
• Wants to focus on his current project before considering the next one.

Remaking Tamil Blockbusters

Given a chance, would Atlee want to remake any of his Tamil blockbusters in Bollywood?

• Atlee doesn’t want to remake any of his films but plans to produce his IPs in Bollywood.
• He will take it slow and produce his films one by one.

A Memorable Year

2023 is a special year for Atlee.

• It marks 10 years since his directorial debut.
• Became a father.
• ‘Jawan’ became the biggest hit of the year.
• He feels blessed by good friends, family, and a supportive wife.
• His focus is on understanding success ratios and taking Indian cinema to a global level.

Oscars and ‘Jawan’

Atlee’s thoughts on taking ‘Jawan’ to the Oscars.

• Aspires to take ‘Jawan’ to the Golden Globes and Oscars.
• Every effort in the film industry aims for recognition at prestigious awards.
• Will discuss the idea with Shah Rukh Khan.