Saif Ali Khan on portraying flawed characters: 'Heroism has evolved, not disappeared'

According to Saif Ali Khan, whose most recent film Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins debuted on Netflix, there has been a change in the way heroes are portrayed in movies, both in terms of the stories told and the reactions viewers have to these heroes. The hero's role has expanded, according to the actor, even though the term itself may not have altered much.

Saif Ali Khan embraces flaws in heroic characters

In an interview with HT City, Saif remarked that although the concept of heroism hasn't entirely transformed, it has expanded to encompass the idea that even imperfect individuals can exhibit heroic qualities, which adds an intriguing dimension. For him, it's wonderful to see it happening because it shows how characters and audiences are growing and changing.

Saif notes that viewers are more affected by flawed, multi-layered characters. Life isn't perfect; people all have highs and lows. Rather than portraying a monolithic character who's flawless—the norm in the West and among them—it's becoming more acceptable to show characters' ups and downs. According to the actor, this mindset is starting to change, though.

Saif believes that a character's emotional depth is best achieved through simple, human moments. He said that one doesn't get to witness one's hero's less-than-ideal moments on screen very frequently, so when he has a tantrum or acts in a way that is "so human", it hits you much harder. It touches them in a unique way and the actor thinks it's fantastic that this is happening.

Praising Jaideep Ahlawat's performance

Saif and Jaideep Ahlawat co-star in Jewel Thief, wherein the latter plays the main antagonist and an art collector named Rajan Aulakh. The former says his co-star gave the film more depth and gravitas and it was lovely. The film has actually reached a new level thanks to Ahlawat. Reading his written performance is an engaging and powerful experience for Saif. But he couldn't have anticipated the colours he used for them.

Saif went on to share that a healthy sense of competition is part of the job when asked if the two stars were competitive with one another, adding that the film is still the main focus. To him, the film is paramount. So, there's no rivalry; everyone is just glad the other is there, and they're all acting well.

Additionally, he mentions that acting is a competitive industry, even though he isn't directly competing with Ahlawat. It ought to be due to the fact that their character is vying for prominence.

Acting is inherently competitive

When performing a scene, one wants their voice to have the most impact. Saif argues that this is the way things should be: with everyone competing. While that may be true, it is not harmful, destabilising, destructive, or insecure. "Okay, I better get my act together and be good" follows Saif's reaction of extreme joy for the film and for himself as Ahlawat successfully executes a shot.

Although Saif is aware of the inherent nervousness in acting, he says it didn't play a role in this film. There may have been moments when he has experienced feelings of insecurity, competition, etc. The film takes precedence, and as he mentioned earlier, it competes for the value of each character. They are all human, and the profession is too. To top it all off, Ahlawat is unbeatable and according to Saif, he is one of the best actors working today.