‘Pathaan’ director Siddharth Anand on scripting box office history: ‘Can’t plan, just happens’

Siddharth Anand’s latest release ‘Pathaan’, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, is breaking records at the box office. The film, which marks SRK’s return to the big screen after a gap of four years, delivered the biggest opening day for a Hindi film ever. The director is overwhelmed by the tremendous response his film has been receiving.

Reflecting on the film's reception, Siddharth said his film has scripted history.

In a statement, Siddharth Anand said, ‘Scripting history. Everyone wants it, but one can't plan it. It just happens. And when it does, it’s actually a very humbling experience. I’m feeling incredibly overwhelmed right now and inspired to get back on the film set and try and create something really special for audiences again. That’s my state of mind.’

He further added, ‘I’m hungrier than before to create more spectacles and immersive experiences like Pathaan. For me, yes numbers do matter. It is a validation of all the hard work but film-making is also a team game. So, I share this incredible moment with the entire cast and crew of Pathaan. Each one of us believed in a vision to create a never seen before theatrical experience that cuts across the length and breadth of the country and I’m glad we delivered on this promise’.

Siddharth also asserted how he believes that films have no language. He called cinema an emotion and said, ‘If it connects with people, it can really go to dizzying heights and that’s what’s happening with Pathaan. Today is a victory of Indian cinema because we are all Indians first. It is such an exciting phase for our country that films from across India are making records, breaking records and most importantly entertaining the people of our country globally.’

‘Pathaan’ also has a special cameo by Salman Khan. Backed by Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films, the film opened to ₹106 crore worldwide on its first day, January 25. The Hindi version of the spy thriller earned around ₹70 crore on its second day, on the occasion of Republic Day.

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