Just wanted to tell a compelling story: Shaz Khan
In conversation with acclaimed actor and director Shaz Khan who plays a rising MMA fighter in his upcoming film—'The Martial Artist'.
Excerpts
It’s no mean feat to write, direct, and star in a movie. What inspired you to do multiple hats for “The Martial Artist”?
Necessity was the inspiration:) Movie needed to be made, no one was jumping at the chance to take this project on. Don’t blame them, this type of film hasn’t been done before. Very glad it happened this way though—didn’t know I would enjoy all those hats individually as much as I did.
How did your four-year MMA training journey impact your portrayal of Ibby ‘The Prince’ Bakran?
Just made the character believable. Audience needs to feel he could go up there with the best fighters on the planet.
What drew you to explore themes of identity, family, and redemption in the film?
Just wanted to tell a really compelling story, and those themes came out of that. Didn’t set out to write those themes, yet now I see those are ideas I am always exploring, thinking and writing about.
How did you balance your multiple roles in the project, and what was the most challenging part?
Not sure if there was a balance:) Just chaos. The challenging part was I had no blueprint to follow - a film like this hasn’t been done especially with south Asian as leads. Felt like I was in a forest in the dark making this thing for a couple of years not always knowing the steps forward just feeling it out as it goes. Now, I feel there may be no other way to do a film.
What message do you hope audiences take away from “The Martial Artist”?
Can’t say I am here to deliver a message, don’t even know what that would be. Want them to dig the film, leave the movie satisfied and talk about it with their friends. That is the dream.
What’s next for you, and are there any upcoming projects that you are particularly excited about?
Yes there are multiple we are working on. Will be announcing one soon.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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