Saif Ali Khan will once again be sharing screen space opposite Ajay Devgn in the latter’s 100th film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. The actor has done some remarkably different work in the past few years. After playing a Naga sadhu in Laal Kaptaan and a cop in Sacred Games, Saif will be seen playing the antagonist in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. The actor in an interview with a leading daily, revealed what prompted him to take up the role and the Game of Thrones references that the film depicts.
Talking about what made him sign the film, Saif said, “It’s a colourful and dramatic character (the actor plays antagonist Udaybhan Rathod in the film) in a space I had not explored before. It demanded a seasoned actor with experience in body language, posturing and expressions. I did it because it was a cool role. People say there are some Game of Thrones references (in the film) and I agree. However, we are all influenced by the sets and costumes but not by the performances. This one is basically a war film.” Many fans compared Saif's poster from the film a nod to Jon Snow's from Game of Thrones.
On the other hand, Ajay who plays the titular role of Tanaji Malusare was recently asked about Saif’s characterization in a separate interview and he revealed that they were looking for someone ‘wicked and quirky’ for the part of Udaybhan Rathor- the Rajput fort-keeper who was at loggerheads with Malusare at the Battle of Sinhagad.
Talking about how he and director Om Raut zeroed in on Saif, Ajay said, “We wanted someone who could emote and depict the character well as he is at loggerheads with Tanaji. The idea was to find an actor with gravitas. Saif was perfect for the role. We've gotten along well right from our first film, Kacche Dhaage (1999) and then, Omkara (2006). We narrated the [script], and he instantly liked it. Even though we didn't work together as much as we should have [in the past], I am glad we collaborated on this film.” Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior is slated to release on January 10, 2020.
(Source: MidDay/Mumbai Mirror)
