Imran Khan, a beloved figure from the romantic comedy era of the 2000s, has been conspicuously absent from the cinematic limelight following the lukewarm reception of his last film, "Katti Batti." However, the actor is poised for a comeback, drawing inspiration from veteran actress Zeenat Aman. While Khan has occasionally opened up about his life post-Bollywood, including insights into his personal and dating life, he recently engaged in a candid conversation with Film Companion. During this discussion, he articulated his relief at the cancellation of his planned spy-thriller web series with Hotstar.
In the interview, Khan expressed a sense of contentment regarding the series' failure to materialize. When queried about his seemingly unconventional sentiment, Khan let out a sigh, elaborating that he was reluctant to portray a character who resolves conflicts through violence. He raised concerns about the pervasive trend of glamorizing, fetishizing, and sexualizing violence in media, a phenomenon that unsettles him deeply. While acknowledging his fondness for action movies from the 90s, Khan contended that there exists a nuanced approach to depicting violence in cinema. He cited Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Joker, highlighting the weight and gravitas with which certain violent acts are portrayed in films.
Khan lamented the contemporary trend of glorifying violence, describing scenes where a lone individual dispatches adversaries amidst explosive soundtracks as discomforting. He remarked, "They make it cool and sexy, and it makes me uncomfortable."
Furthermore, Khan reflected on his decision to distance himself from the Bollywood industry. Speaking to the Indian Express, he underscored the pervasive influence of monetary considerations within the industry. Khan observed that actors navigate within an ecosystem driven by financial imperatives, encompassing aspects such as public relations, brand endorsements, and event appearances. Recognizing a misalignment between his personal ethos and the industry's profit-driven ethos, Khan acknowledged that the failure of "Katti Batti" catalyzed his gradual withdrawal from the spotlight. Yet, this disengagement was not solely a response to one film's reception but rather a culmination of contemplation over time.
