"The Idea Of A Film Bringing A Family Together Is Powerful," Says Saif Ali Khan

Saif said the offer for the podcast series came to him last year and he instantly jumped at it because he was keen to explore this new medium

At a time when spectacle films are doing well at the box office, actor Saif Ali Khan says movies that can bring families to the theatres are equally powerful. After a dismal 2022, Hindi cinema had an impressive start in 2023 with Shah Rukh Khan-led Pathaan in January. The momentum has continued with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor.

Saif said there is a need to understand the changing taste of theatre-going audiences."I don't think it has to be visually big, even though that's what everyone's saying. I think something that a family can watch together and enjoy might be good also.

"We should try and give them that experience. Whatever it is," the 52-year-old actor, who will next be seen in the big-budget Adipurush, told PTI in an interview here. Citing the example of his 2021 horror-comedy film Bhoot Police that released on a streaming platform, Saif said he has realised the importance of entertaining family audiences, more so today. "When I watch Bhoot Police with my family, or when I watch Mummy, I realise the power of a family horror movie that's not really very scary... The kids enjoy, everyone's cuddling up under a blanket.

"So, the idea of a film bringing a family together is powerful, which I had not realised. It's a lovely thing to bring a family together," the actor, a father of four, said. Saif, whose last two theatrical releases were Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021) and Vikram Vedha (2022), said that post the pandemic, the audience reaction to movies has become "extreme".