Saif Ali Khan on playing a thief in ‘Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins’: ‘In heist films, the lines between hero and anti-hero often blur’

Saif Ali Khan is gearing up for the release of his action thriller Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins. Set to debut on Netflix on April 25, the trailer for the film was released yesterday, heightening fan excitement.

ALSO READ | Netflix unveils trailer of 'Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins': Saif Ali Khan-Jaideep Ahlawat film to premiere on this date

During the trailer launch for the film, helmed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Garewal, the actor weighed in on his fascination with playing a thief in the upcoming flick, describing his character as “exciting”. As quoted by PTI, the actor said, "In heist films, the lines between hero, anti-hero, and mastermind often blur. What I like about the heist film is that the guy is technically wrong, he breaks the law, but he does it for a good reason, to help someone in his family; it's an honourable kind of theft. So, it makes for an exciting character.”

Khan further pointed out that viewers enjoy watching characters breaking the law as it provides them an escape to “take on the system” – what heist films essentially capture.

ALSO READ | Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: Mumbai police files 1,000-page chargesheet against accused Shariful Islam

Siddharth Anand, who co-produced the film with his wife Mamta under their Marflix Pictures banner, shared his experience working with leading man Khan, pointing out his unique sense of humour. “(Saif) is lovable, he is a darling on sets, he makes everybody comfortable. Sometimes his jokes scare people because his sense of humour is such,” the filmmaker said.

Kunal Kapoor, who is also featured in the flick, expressed his gratitude for doing a “rollercoaster ride” film with a supportive team. Kapoor said: “I was looking to do a film which is a rollercoaster ride, a thriller, surprise after surprise. I wanted to do this, and luckily, I had the chance to do it with an amazing team.”

ALSO READ | 'Fighter' not an easy film to make, says director Siddharth Anand

It was also a different creative lane for Kapoor who is more sought after for “mediator, peace maker, the poet, and the philosopher” roles. It was exciting for him to play a “tough” character, he added.

Entertainment