Shah Rukh Khan: 'We have made a stunning film'

Shah Rukh Khan doesn't do anything by halves. And, in typical King Khan style, the release of the trailer for Dilwale was nothing less than a global event. The entire Dilwale team including director Rohit Shetty, the film's cast comprising Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Boman Irani, Johnny Lever and music composer Pritam, attended a grand launch at a suburban multiplex in Mumbai on Monday 9 November, presenting the trailer to the world's media at a global video press conference.

The film sees the 50-year-old superstar reprise his iconic on-screen pairing with actress Kajol, five years after My Name is Khan and twenty-two years after their first hit together, the 1993 film Baazigar.

Creating magic with their on-screen partnership, that has spawned landmark films in Indian cinema history such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, the reunion of the two actors on celluolid is a casting coup in itself.

Revealing why she decided to take on the role, full-time mum Kajol explained that it was her daughter who convinced her to do it. "I initially thought I would not do the film because it demanded a schedule abroad," she said. "But my daughter Nysa said, 'Mom, you should do this film, I don't want to see you crying any more. For once, do a comedy where I can see you laughing throughout.' "

An action-romance entertainer, the film also sees Shah Rukh Khan reunite with director Rohit Shetty after the 2013 release Chennai Express. The film broke several box office records in India and abroad, becoming the quickest film to collect US$15 million net domestically. It also surpassed 3 Idiots to become the highest-grossing Bollywood film worldwide.

With the star pairing of Kajol and Khan and blockbuster director Rohit Shetty at the helm, Dilwale is also expected to smash the box-office. Explaining how Red Chillies Entertainment in collaboration with Shetty have sought to raise the bar further, with their latest release, Shah Rukh Khan told IBTimesUK: "As a part of Red Chillies, we have tried (to raise the bar) but that is a decision the creative team has to take. So that call was taken care of by Rohit Shetty and his team. But, as producers, we have tried to raise the bar, in the way the film will look, in the locations we chose. We have tried to take it to another level. I think we have made a stunning film."

For the rest of the cast, it was evident that the opportunity to work with Khan, one of the biggest superstars in the world, could not be missed. Kajol explained: "I chose the film, first because of the script and then, of course, Shah Rukh was in it. Initially, I thought I would not take it up but there are some roles you just can't ignore."

"It's an immense pleasure to work with such a lovely star cast. Love Shah Rukh and it was a great experience," said veteran actor Kabir Bedi.

For new gen actors Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, the film represented an opportunity to learn from the biggest star in Bollywood. "It's a dream team for me to work with Shah Rukh sir and Kajol ma'am," said Sanon. "Varun and I had a great time working together. It was a learning experience."

Varun, who is the son of director David Dhawan, admitted to having a fanboy moment when he found himself working with Kajol and Khan. "There I was as an AD in My Name is Khan...to starring with them, just three years since I began my career. I would keep on asking Shah Rukh sir questions and he would always patiently help me."

Comic actor Boman Irani, who previously worked with Khan said: "Post working in Happy New Year, SRK said he wanted to work with me again and again. So he offered me Dilwale. It was a great experience working with the entire team."

Describing the feeling that comes with releasing a film to the world Khan, who recently celebrated his 50<sup>th birthday, said it was difficult letting Dilwale go. "It's a feeling of emptiness and I feel quite sad that today the film doesn't belongs to us any more. It's now all yours. I always say that till we are making a film, it belongs to us, but the day it is presented to the audience, it belongs to everyone. We worked very hard on the film and I hope audience likes it too."

Dilwale is scheduled to release on December 18. Watch the trailer below: