Ali Abbas Zafar: Directing Salman and Katrina is not easy

When Yash Raj Films announced that a sequel to Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s 2012 blockbuster ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ will be releasing on Christmas next year, titled ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ fans were super excited. While the film’s original cast has been retained, this time it won’t be directed by Kabir Khan but by ‘Sultan’ director Ali Abbas Zafar.

Ali Abbas Zafar told a leading daily that his idea of ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ will have the same characters but a completely new and a relevant story line, he said, “I am focusing on telling a more relevant story for today’s political climate. The characters are from the first part, but the story will be brand new.”

After the success of ‘Sultan’ , the filmmaker is busy scripting ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ , he said, “I am writing spontaneously, going with my instinct. I chose to do the film because of the pressure of it. Directing Katrina and Salman in an instalment of a successful franchise is not easy.

He said he is open to taking suggestions and advice from Kabir Khan, the director of the original film. He added, “As artistes, we have to look at things more pragmatically. Kabir is like an elder brother to me. We can be completely honest with each other and debate with an open mind. As part of the fraternity, this dialogue is necessary. We should get as many viewpoints on our material as possible. One instance or anecdote can help improve a story. There is absolutely no ego issue. Kabir always knows exactly what I am doing, and his guidance is valuable.”

When he was asked what to expect from ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ , he added, “We hope to make an entertaining espionage. It will be good to see Katrina and Salman back together after five years. They are both smashing to look at and I hope I make them look even better. But, more than anything, I hope there is good content and that I am able to justify their stardom.”

When he was further prodded about working with two actors who are not known for acting, “They have done it once together, they will rock it again,” he further adds, “Potentially, they are both phenomenal. No one can be a huge star in this country if they aren’t good at acting. For me, an actor must necessarily have a connect with the audience. If the ticket payers are giving respect to an actor, they are the right judges to say whether they are good or bad.”

The film will be shot at several foreign locales, explaining the foreign locales he said, “We plan to shoot at several overseas locations. Usually, my films are set in India. I often start a story in London or Budapest and invariably end it in Haryana or Kolkata. This time, the story will call for fancy locations; there will be a valid reason why the guys are in a new country. Finally, my passport will come to some good use.”