Director Ali Abbas Zafar is brimming with confidence as he puts the final touches on his latest project, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, an action-comedy starring Bollywood veterans Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. Fresh from post-production and with only a day remaining before the film’s release, Zafar shares his insights without a trace of exhaustion—his voice carrying a relaxed yet assured tone indicative of a man pleased with his work.
‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ is Zafar’s offering for the Eid festivities, a slot he has previously occupied with ‘Sultan’ (2016)—a massive hit—and ‘Bharat’ (2019), which had a lukewarm reception. With his latest work, expectations pivot away from the typical Salman Khan blockbuster as Zafar boldly claims, “This story is new compared to everything that has been seen.” He emphasizes that while the industry has recently been flooded with action movies, what singles out his film is its emphasis on the storyline over the fight sequences.
Acknowledging that Kumar and Shroff have made their mark as action heroes—Kumar for the past three decades and Shroff since his debut in 2014—Zafar is keen to highlight how ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ offers something fresh. “They have a wicked sense of humour,” explains Zafar. He describes the film as remarkably different from his previous works like ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ (2017) and ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ (2012), despite them all falling under the action genre. What sets this new movie apart is its approach; ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ is designed to emulate the vibrancy and fun of a comic book, presenting its heroes in a less serious, more amusing light.
The release, scheduled for April 10, showcases not just Kumar and Shroff but also introduces other talented actors, including Manushi Chhillar, Alaya F, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who tackles the role of the antagonist. Anticipation surrounds the dynamic between the protagonists, a central pillar of the movie. However, Zafar refrains from categorizing it as a typical two-hero film. He reveals that his vision was initially a three-hero narrative, reflecting current events and leveraging technological advancements and the experiences of the armed forces to craft a contemporary backdrop for the action. Zafar stresses that Prithviraj’s role is as pivotal as those of Kumar and Shroff, emphasizing the importance of the super-villain in the equation of chaos versus order.
The two leading men, known for their discipline and passion for martial arts, were adored by the action directors for their ability to effortlessly execute the stunts needed for the film, possibly even more than the director himself. Such a combination of talent and expertise promises to deliver a spectacular action affair.
In the midst of conversation about ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, the topic of the ‘Mr India’ reboot surfaces—a project that encountered disagreements with the original creators. Zafar sheds light on its uncertain status: “I wouldn’t say it’s not happening as of now. We have a good script. We’re working towards it.” The director leaves the door open for what may come with the iconic franchise’s revival.
As the director’s labor of love is poised for its grand unveiling, it’s clear that ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ is more than an action-packed cinematic experience. Zafar has stitched together an intricate tapestry of storytelling, humor, and adrenaline-fueled adventure within the familiar action genre. With the camaraderie between two of Bollywood’s most beloved action figures and the promise of innovation amidst familiarity, Zafar’s newest venture offers a promising twist sure to captivate audiences and leave them reveling in the spectacle of it all.
