Arjun Kapoor: Writers are making the genre younger, cooler

Arjun Kapoor

At the onset of our conversation, Arjun Kapoor reveals that he did Sardar Ka Grandson for his grandparents. The Netflix film revolves around Kapoor's protagonist who arranges to have his grandmother's ancestral home moved to Amritsar from Lahore after he is unable to take her to Pakistan.

Neena Gupta plays Arjun Kapoor's grandmother in the film

"This film is my way of giving back to my grandparents, especially my granny who has just recovered from Covid. [It appealed to me] because I look at relationships from an emotional point of view; there is [no room for] practicality. For instance, my dadi [Nirmal Kapoor] has been asking me to come over for lunch. I keep explaining that it's not safe, but she is driven by emotions and is not interested in the repercussions," he shares.

The family drama, also featuring Neena Gupta and Rakul Preet Singh, may be a refreshing change of pace from the thrillers that have flooded the OTT platforms. Kapoor notes that the genre has taken a backseat in the past few years. "With new avenues opening up, many directors are exploring thrillers, horror and intense dramas. That said, Neenaji and my biggest hits have been family entertainers, Badhaai Ho [2018] and 2 States [2014]. Writers and directors are making the genre younger and cooler, and without any cliches. [You can't give] the audience a fake, happy family. Viewers are intelligent, and you can't lie to them. Our film is also cinematic in treatment because Amrik [his character] is trying to do the impossible. So, you have to make it cinematic yet believable."

In having Lahore as one of the backdrops, the movie transcends borders to tell a human story. Asked about the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, he says, "We have to be humane and graceful. This film emphasises how humanity is above all else."

Also View: Sardar Ka Grandson Trailer: Arjun Kapoor-starrer shares a heartwarming story