Aamir Khan recently admitted choosing Thugs of Hindost for his character, “Firangi,” rather than the overall script was a mistake. He compared its structural formula to
‘Sholay’ where secondary characters (Jai and Veeru) step in to help the central protagonist (Zafira) seek revenge, and stated it was the only film he chose based on the role.
Speaking at the Screen Academy Masterclass held in Mumbai at Whistling Woods International, Aamir reflected on his 2018 period action drama. Aamir noted that he almost always chooses films based on the strength and emotional impact of the overarching story, citing Dangal as the perfect example.
‘Thugs of Hindosthan’was the sole exception where he broke his own rule, prioritizing his character (Firangi Mallah) because he found the role’s charm and unpredictability fascinating.
Aamir likened the basic structural formula of the film to the 1975 classic
Sholay.
Thakur seeks revenge for his wiped-out family and enlists the help of Jai and Veeru. Similarly, in “Thugs” Zafira needs help after her family is killed, and Firangi comes in to assist.
Just as Shola is fundamentally Thakur’s story rather than Jai and Veeru’s, Aamir explained that was ultimately Zafira’s story rather than Firangi’s.
Aamir admitted that the final product was far from the original script that writer-director Vijay Krishna Acharya had originally written.
He revealed that the script was rewritten multiple times to accommodate various casting decisions, noting this as a “fundamental error” and a misstep he regrets.
News Edit KV Raman
