John Abraham: If actor is not confident of film, he dumps it on OTT

Refusing to use pandemic as “crutch” for film’s fate, John Abraham says he batted for Mumbai Saga’s theatrical run from the get-go

As the leading man of Mumbai Saga, John Abraham played a significant role in ensuring that the film is theatre-bound at a time when many are opting for the safety net of digital premieres. “When I heard there were talks with Amazon Prime, I had a chat with Bhushan [Kumar, producer] and Gupta [Sanjay Gupta, director],” begins the actor. While he is confident that a big-screen release is the right move, Abraham is well aware that the film “won’t make as much money as movies did in 2019. All theatres across the country haven’t opened, but with this film, a few more will. After we announced this film, five more movies were announced [for theatrical run]." 

"Let’s be honest, it’s a common industry notion that if an actor is not confident of a film, he dumps it on OTT. Almost 90 per cent of movies that opted for OTT release were bad. I am not saying this film is spectacular, but we are not worried about its failure. I won’t use the pandemic as a crutch.”

John Abraham plays a local gangster who rises up the ranks

Some may argue that the actor has explored gangster roles in all their shades, from the slick criminal in Race 2 (2012) to Manya Surve in Shootout at Wadala (2013). But Abraham says the good guy-bad guy dynamics, brought to life by Emraan Hashmi and him, made him gravitate towards the project. “I ran the risk of repeating my Shootout at Wadala act. I am wearing a tika again. But the conflict with Emraan’s character was interesting. Preparing for this role required following Gupta’s vision and reading up on the backstory of the man.”

In his 18-year career, the actor has chosen stories over the lure of big banners, not shying away from two-hero projects or from producing small films with a big heart. “I simply want to make the cinema I [believe in]. I am comfortable with my earnings, so money isn’t a driving factor. People often ask me about my wish list of directors, but I have none. Anyone who works with me is important for me. I can’t stand outside a big director’s door and ask for work. It’s not about ego, it’s about self respect.”

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