‘I AM NOT GOING TO BE CHILDISH AND ADAMANT’
Actor Ishaan Khatter says in these ‘unprecedented’ times, though he would prefer a theatrical release for his next, he would not insist on it
Actor Ishaan Khatter’s threeyear-old acting career has been as unconventional as it could get. How many newcomers have started off with an international, non-masala film like Beyond The Clouds (2017), then done a typical romantic drama Dhadak (2018), and again taken off to the West for Mira Nair’s series, based on the novel A Suitable Boy?
Contrary to what people might think, he had to audition for his first film, and didn’t bag it just because he was from a filmi family. Khatter tells us, “I didn’t even know what the future had for me. All I knew was that I am terribly in love with cinema. I love the fact that I got to audition for my debut film, and it chose me on merit, no other reason.”
As for his different choices, he tells us he has heard a variety of opinions. “People who are important to me were very supportive. I think my mother always understood more closely where my choices come from, but most people are also understanding, with time, why I make certain choices. I got questions from the start, people still say use labels like ‘unconventional’. I am trying to not sound pompous. I know it may be unprecedented that a young actor starts with an international film. For me, I never sought
It may be unprecedented that an actor starts with an international film... I never sought the sensational aspect. ISHAAN KHATTER, actor
the sensational aspect of that,” confesses the 24-year-old.
Currently, Khatter has his hands full with horror-comedy Phone Bhoot, war drama Pippa, and waiting for the release of his next, Khaali Peeli.
Amid the pandemic, many films had to forego a theatrical release and opt for a digital one. There are rumours of Khaali Peeli, also starring Ananya Panday, heading the same route. Ask Khatter his take on this, and he says, “I think these are decisions that are more relevant for producers. They are the ones who understand the economics and invest the money into the film. Though as an actor, I think the vision of the film is a priority for me, and the way we imagined Khaali Peeli was always that it would be seen in theatres. We made it like that.”
However, considering the current Covid-19 crisis, and how theatres are still closed, Khatter seems prepared for anything. So, is he okay with an OTT release? He says, “Right now, we are not in a situation where one can be indulgent. Like I said, I would much prefer it in theatres if we can wait it out. It depends entirely on how the next few weeks and months will go, so I am not going to be childish and adamant about things.”
Khatter tells us that the film has been made in such a manner that a theatre going audience would have enjoyed it a lot. “The story has a large appeal. It’s an entertaining film, thrilling and interactive, the kind of film to watch in theatres. So far, anyone closely related to the film who has seen small bits, they said yeh toh cinema mein dekhni hai,” he confesses.