Pakistan ban won’t affect film revenues: Saif
The actor is excited about Agent Vinod’s release in India as viewers will see a spy movie after a long time.
Actor-producer Saif Ali Khan isn’t perturbed over Pakistan banning Agent Vinod, saying that very little revenue would be lost by the restriction imposed on his production, which released all over the world yesterday. “We have lost some revenue, just around INR10 million,” Khan told IANS.
However, the actor does reiterate the fact that the film was always supposed to bridge the gap between the two countries instead of widening it. “Agent Vinod presents a particular view of Pakistan and that’s exactly the view that I too happen to share personally”, says Khan. “Yes, so on paper, Pakistan is our enemy. However, in their culture too there are people who are good and don’t want war with India. On the other hand, both India and Pakistan have certain villains who represent the ugly side of the two countries. Our film shows this fight against bad elements; that’s about it. I hope that globally people watch this film in huge numbers and see the real truth.”
Talking about characterisation of Pakistanis in Agent Vinod, Khan states: “We have shown the Pakistani Army involved with the Taliban and Afghanistan. We have shown them assassinating their own ISI chief. We have shown them encouraging terrorist activities in India. If you feel this is unreasonable or not true, then it is fair enough.”
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Agent Vinod has Khan in the title role and Kareena Kapoor as the female lead. According to indianexpress.com, Kapoor is playing a Pakistani character in the film. “Kareena plays a good Pakistani and since she is the film’s leading lady, this by itself should quash the rumours that the country is shown in bad light,” reveals a source.
About his own role, Khan says, “I play the role of Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Agent. Agent Vinod’s partner in the film has joined hands with the Russian mafia and he passes them all information but he is caught and killed. However, he leaves a clue behind before he dies.” The actor also added that Agent Vinod has been his most demanding role so far and with all the physical bumps and bruises and mental trauma he went through, Khan hopes it will all pay off in the form of box office success.
(With additional information from hindustantimes.com)
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2012.