Exclusive: Sahil Salathia hails Adhura for its thrills; emphasises on the need to make better content for big screen

The much-awaited Amazon Prime Video’s first horror series, Adhura, has dropped today! This supernatural thriller has been produced by ace filmmaker Nikkhil Advani and has a terrific star cast including actors Rahul Dev, Ishwak Singh, Rasika Dugal, Shrenik Arora, and Sahil Salathia in key roles. 

While the buzz around the project continues to gain momentum, we got a chance to speak candidly with actor Sahil Salathia.

Congratulations on your latest OTT release, Adhura! Why did you decide to be a part of this series? Are you fond of watching horror movies?

I had a lot of reasons. My biggest reason is that this is Amazon Prime Video’s first-ever horror series made. So, I had to say yes to this project! It is quite an iconic moment for me as an actor. Not only this, but renowned filmmakers Gauravv K Chawla, and Ananya Banerjee created it. Interestingly, I had worked with Nikkhil Advani sir before landing on this project as well. It was for a thriller series titled P.O.W. - Bandi Yuddh Ke. In that series, I was the lead antagonist. So, I felt positive working on this horror series as well.

Secondly, Emmay Entertainment (a production house founded by Nikkhil Advani) stands for quality and I had to collaborate with them undoubtedly. This is because I stand for quality. Also, I really like my part in Adhura. It is an incredible part. My character in Adhura has got a lot of layers and a lot of interesting elements to it. The story is about a group of friends who go back to their boarding school. And I would say, amongst the entire lot, my character as Suyash is slightly more light-hearted compared to the others. That sounds interesting.

The series is about what happens to this group of friends and what happens to their journey in life ahead. All of these mysteries are unraveled in the show.

What according to you makes Adhura different from all the horror and supernatural thrillers out there?

I think Adhura is high in its emotional aspects. It is high on its thrill factor. Since the show has just come out, I can’t reveal much about the series. But I’m sure that it will leave a lasting impact on you. I’m sure viewers will feel the thrill and be scared. Not only this, but the viewers can witness a great human drama in it as well.  

Have you ever experienced any horrific incident in your life?

I have. Certainly. When I was 13-14 years old, I lived in Jammu. I did my schooling in Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir. I remember going on a school trip to a town named Patnitop. It takes about four hours to travel from Jammu to Patnitop. On the way back from the trip, at around 9-9:30 pm, my friends glanced out of the window of the school bus and saw a white shadow rising in the air. I did not see it, but the experience on the trip was quite frightful.

Who did you share a great experience on the sets of Adhura? How did you feel to be on the sets of the series?

I think I got along well with the cast and crew of the film. However, personally speaking, I think I got along well with (actress) Rasika Dugal. I have known Rasika for a long time. She and I worked together on the thriller series, P.O.W.- Bandi Yuddh Ke, as well.

I also got along well with (actress) Zoa Morani. She is a very sweet person. I got along well with her as well.

Apart from being a fabulous fashion influencer, you are one of the most talented actors in the film industry. How has your journey been so far?

My Instagram is mostly about fashion. I enjoy fashion. I like being authentic and crazy at the same time. My Instagram is just a small part of my personality. Because Instagram is so visually attractive, I get highlighted a lot. I feel my sense of style is quite unique. Recently, I was awarded the ‘Fashion Icon of The Year’ by a prominent news portal.

I take this achievement with pride and all humbleness. Such awards give people inspiration to just be themselves. However, there are times when I get trolled as well. But I stay true to my personality.

I started my career with a 2014 series titled Everest. In it, I played the role of a celebrated mountaineer called Arjun Sabharwal. In P.O.W. - Bandi Yuddh Ke (2016), I was playing the role of a terrorist. In Adhura (2023), I’m playing an actor on screen. So, I took this conscious decision to not repeat my character type in any movie. I am a quality-driven person. And hence, you may find a gap in my releases. For me, the filmmaker, actors, script – everything is important.

I feel acting is like depicting an action to a reaction.

Can the cinematic experience be entirely replicated by OTT platforms? Please elaborate.

I think we, collectively as a film industry, need to make better content for the big screen. Only then will people try and make an effort to sit in their cars, go to the cinema halls and buy an expensive bucket of popcorn.

On the other hand, content available on OTT platforms is very good nowadays. So, I will be inspired to go to the cinemas only if the script is great.

Also, it does not matter how popular the actor featured in the movie is. Unfortunately, the last few films are evidence of this fact. If the theatrical film is not good, people will not show up.

Do you feel the viewership of Vidya Balan starrer Neeyat, which has been released today, will affect Adhura’s viewership?

Firstly, Neeyat is a movie whereas Adhura is a series. So, there is a different level of commitment to the project. However, I’m a huge admirer of Vidya Balan and her work. I wish her and the entire team all the luck. I will surely watch Neeyat soon as well.

Social Media: A boon or a bane?

I feel social media is a way to connect with people globally. I receive a lot of love on social media. The hate I receive is very little compared to the love I receive. Sometimes, you get trolled for your perspectives on certain issues. But I feel that not everyone will agree with a particular opinion. India is a democracy. Everyone has the right to have an opinion. I feel great about it. My social media is filled with lots of love.

Also Read: Must-Watch OTT Releases: Tarla to Adhura - Top movies and Shows to binge watch this weekend 

Who is your favourite celebrity in Indian cinema and why?

My favourite celebrity is Aamir Khan. He really puts his heart and soul into whatever project he takes up in his life. If you observe, there is often a gap of two-three years in his theatrical releases. But he comes out with beautiful projects at the end of the day.

Also, I really like Kangana Ranaut as an actor. I think she is incredible.

I also like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. I like watching her on the big screen.

Please tell us a few details about your future projects and aspirations.

After Adhura, there is another series that will come up in the next two months. I cannot reveal the name of the series. The series is being produced by Viacom 18 and I’m playing an excellent part in it. I’m very excited about it.

Also, if given a chance, I would love to work with filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. 

When I came to Mumbai, I dreamed of working with filmmakers namely Ashutosh Gowariker sir and Nikkhil Advani. Now that dream is fulfilled! 

So, I would love to work next with filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

--------------------

Also Read: I DO NOT draw my inspiration from Ranveer Singh or anybody else, says Sahil Salathia