Actor Mukesh Khanna has opened up about his upcoming film ‘Vishwaguru’, saying he agreed to join the project after being impressed by its subject and believes it could become a significant film in his career following Dev Anand’s ‘Censor’.
Speaking to IANS, Khanna said the film’s subject immediately caught his attention and that he held several meetings with the makers before deciding to come on board.
“I liked the topic, I liked the subject. He was right, we had three meetings, and then we spoke,” Khanna said.
Recalling his discussions with the filmmaker, the ‘Shaktimaan’ actor said the makers approached him repeatedly before he finally agreed to take up the role.
“Three times, he sat at my table and went out, then came in, then went out, then came in. And ultimately, he left a Ram Bandh on me,” Khanna said.
Khanna also recalled being told that he would deliver his dialogues in Hindi in the film. He said he agreed to the requirement after considering the subject.
“Sir, you spoke in Hindi in this film. And I said, okay, fine. Because the subject…” he recalled.
Explaining why ‘Vishwaguru’ is particularly important to him, Khanna said he has been selective about his film appearances and feels the upcoming project could mark a major return to the big screen.
“Look, I make very few films. And I’ll tell you openly that maybe after Dev Anand’s film, ‘Censor,’ maybe after ‘Censor,’ a big film of mine is coming. People are waiting for me. So, I did this film because I liked the subject,” he said.
In Dev Anand’s 2001 film ‘Censor’, Khanna played an Indian Army officer.
Best known for his iconic portrayals of Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah, Khanna has remained a prominent figure in Indian popular culture over the years.
Directed by Shailesh Boghani and Atul Sonar, ‘Vishwaguru’ revolves around a foreign group that attempts to attack India through deception and force. The film explores the idea of spiritual knowledge as India’s strength and presents the country as a global teacher.
For Khanna, the project appears to be an opportunity to return to a prominent film role with a subject that he believes has the scale and substance to make an impact.