Photo credit: www.news18.com
Last Updated: March 24, 2025, 19:53 IST
Sunny Deol prepares for his debut in South Indian cinema with the film Jaat, directed by Gopichand Malineni. At the trailer launch, he praised Southern filmmakers and hinted, “Who knows, I might just settle there.”
Sunny Deol has expressed admiration for South Indian cinema during the launch of the Jaat trailer, suggesting that Bollywood producers could benefit from the emphasis on robust storytelling prevalent in South films.
The veteran actor is poised to make his entrance into South Indian cinema with Jaat, an action feature helmed by acclaimed Telugu director Gopichand Malineni, known for his success with Krack. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, a major player behind the hit Pushpa franchise, this film comes on the heels of Sunny’s own triumph with Gadar 2.
During the trailer launch event in Mumbai, Sunny delivered a memorable statement: “The strength of this two-and-a-half-kilo hand has already been witnessed by the North. Now, it’s time for the South to see it.” He seized the moment to emphasize the lessons that Bollywood could learn from its Southern counterparts.
“I truly hope Bollywood producers take a page from South filmmakers. Focus on making captivating Hindi cinema, and learn the artistry of cinema-making. In the South, the story takes center stage. I had such a great time on this project that I’m already asking for another film with them. Who knows, I might just settle there,” he joked.
Director Gopichand Malineni shared insights into his decision to cast Sunny for his first South venture, stating, “Growing up, I watched his action-packed films like Ghatak, Ziddi, and Damini. I aimed to reintroduce that iconic version of Sunny to the audience.”
Sunny also highlighted the need to reconnect with the essence of storytelling that defined his earlier works. “We often overlook our own cultural narratives because of global influences. It’s essential to return to our roots and create films akin to Ghatak, Damini, and Arjun,” he remarked.
In Jaat, Sunny portrays a compelling protagonist, while Randeep Hooda takes on the role of the antagonist. Interestingly, Randeep mentioned he would have declined if anyone other than Sunny had led the film, stating, “I felt anxious because Sunny Deol has always been the hero for all Jaats.”
Sunny humorously reflected on how he convinced Randeep by pointing out that Bobby Deol has successfully transitioned between heroic and villainous roles.
He expressed a willingness to embrace negative characters, although he noted that filmmakers often hesitate due to his established hero image.
“I’d certainly consider it, but the director and producer need to be bold enough to take that step. Fans have certain expectations of me, but I am exploring different avenues in OTT to express my creativity,” he explained.
Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, who stars alongside Sunny in Jaat, acknowledged that the actor’s participation was the primary reason for his involvement in the project. “Normally, I weigh the director, producer, role, and financial aspects, but for this film, I set all that aside because of Sunny Deol,” he noted.
Sunny concluded by reflecting on his family’s enduring legacy in the film industry, particularly acknowledging the recent achievements of his father, Dharmendra. “It’s not pressure; it’s our nature. We keep striving; we don’t give up,” he said.
Jaat is poised to be a full-scale mass entertainer, blending Sunny Deol’s iconic style with the dynamic storytelling characteristic of South cinema, and is set to hit theaters soon.
Source
www.news18.com