Kayoze Irani on Ibrahim Ali Khan: He will answer his critics with his work

30-07-2025

It was again Karan who came to Kayoze with a 50-page story outline for Sarzameen. What drew Kayoze in was the emotionally charged family drama at the heart of the narrative. His first choices for the lead roles were Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kajol, and he was genuinely surprised when both agreed to come on board. 'I am a pessimistic person, so I was thinking, why would a superstar like Prithvi sir work with me? Why would Kajol ma'am come back to Dharma after so many years to work with me? But both of them said yes pretty soon,' says Kayoze. He adds that it was a 'breeze' to shoot with them. 'They never treated me like a first-time director. Even if we had a disagreement, we always spoke about it. I told them how I wanted it, what my vision was, and they followed it completely,' he says. 'I feel like I was given all the respect, sometimes more than I deserved. Both of them made my life so easy on the set that I could just sit back at the monitor and enjoy my film.'

Hashtags

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Kayoze Irani on casting Ibrahim Ali Khan in Sarzameen: ‘This boy has a face for the camera'

Time of India

5 hours ago

Time of India

Kayoze Irani on casting Ibrahim Ali Khan in Sarzameen: ‘This boy has a face for the camera'

One of the most eagerly awaited star kid introductions in recent years was Ibrahim Ali Khan 's March 7, 2025, debut in 'Naadaniyan.' Despite the film's failure to meet expectations, the opening scene of Sarzameen, directed by Kayoze Irani , successfully saved it. In an interview with NDTV, debut director Kayoze Irani revealed that he first noticed Ibrahim while he was working as an assistant director on the sets of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in Delhi. Impressed by Ibrahim's screen presence, Irani felt he had a natural camera-friendly face. After holding several workshops with him, the team decided to cast him in Sarzameen. Kayoze also shared that Sarzameen was actually filmed before Nadaaniyan, marking Ibrahim's first time facing the camera. The team conducted nearly six months of workshops, during which Irani felt they were able to truly connect with Ibrahim on a personal level—something that ultimately shaped his portrayal of Harman, the character he plays. Plot of the movie 'Sarzmeen' Ibrahim portrays Harman in 'Sarzmeen,' a seemingly innocent youngster who turns into a militant. His character is driven to the extremes of seeking revenge due to a troubled upbringing and a complex relationship with his father ( Prithviraj Sukumaran ). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo The central character of 'Sarzameen' is Colonel Vijay Menon , who portrays an Indian Army officer who is so devoted to his work that he may put his duty before his family. When his son Harman (Ibrahim Ali Khan) is radicalized by terrorists, he battles a personal crisis. The narrative then reveals the tension between Vijay's love for his son and his duty to his country, specifically following his return as a different person.

Kajol Refuses To Speak In Hindi, Gets Angry At Reporter; Karan Aujla In Trouble Over ‘MF Gabhru' Song

News18

5 hours ago

News18

Kajol Refuses To Speak In Hindi, Gets Angry At Reporter; Karan Aujla In Trouble Over ‘MF Gabhru' Song

Last Updated: Kajol stuns fans by refusing to speak Hindi at a Mumbai event, while Karan Aujla faces backlash over his song 'MF Gabhru' for allegedly using objectionable lyrics on women. Kajol Hindi Marathi Controversy: Kajol left everyone shocked recently when she refused to talk in Hindi at an event in Mumbai. It all started when a paparazzo asked her to say something in Hindi since the Bollywood actress was addressing the media in Marathi. This seemingly left Kajol annoyed, who reacted angrily and said, 'Should I say it in Hindi now? Whoever wants to understand, will understand!" Punjabi singer Karan Aujla has landed in trouble after his song 'MF Gabhru" sparked controversy over the alleged use of objectionable language against women. The countdown to Bigg Boss 19 has begun. The makers of Salman Khan's controversial reality show unveiled the official trailer of the upcoming season on Thursday, promising entertainment like never before. Set against the dramatic backdrop of a Parliament-inspired Bigg Boss house, the promo reveals the theme of the show – 'Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar'. For the first time in Bigg Boss history, housemates will have the authority to make decisions big and small, turning the house into a battleground of public sentiment, all with unfiltered consequences. Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the proceedings in connection with the FIR lodged against Malayalam film actor Shwetha Menon for allegedly publishing or transmitting obscene scenes of some of her past movies and advertisements. Aneet Padda's Bollywood debut alongside Ahaan Panday in Saiyaara has taken the country by storm. Released on July 18, the film has crossed the Rs 500 crore mark at the box office and has emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. However, as the dust settles, Aneet Padda is feeling overwhelmed by the success. The actress has admitted to being scared about her future projects. First Published: August 07, 2025, 22:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

NDTV

7 hours ago

NDTV

Sarzameen Director Kayoze Irani To NDTV On Why He Cast Ibrahim Ali Khan: "This Boy Has A Face For The Camera, Let's..."

New Delhi: Ibrahim Ali Khan's debut in Naadaniyan on March 7, 2025, was one of the most anticipated star kid introductions in recent times. The film failed to live up to the expectations, but somehow the first glimpse of Kayoze Irani's Sarzameen later took a chance of restoring it. Debut director Kayoze Irani spoke to NDTV about spotting Ibrahim Ali Khan on the sets of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani as an Assistant Director, and how it led to him casting the young lad in Sarzameen. Kayoze Irani says, "I was on the sets of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in Delhi, and we were sitting by the monitor. When we saw Ibrahim, we were struck by the thought that this boy has a face made for the camera, and we thought, let's give him a shot. We conducted extensive workshops with him, and that's how he came on board." He adds, "Ibrahim was facing the camera for the first time. We shot for Sarzameen before Nadaaniyan. We did about six months of workshops, and what worked for me, with Ibrahim, was that we were able to tap into Ibrahim as a person, and he brought that into Harman, the character." Plot In Sarzmeen, Ibrahim Ali Khan plays the role of Harman, a seemingly innocent child who grows up to be a militant. A complicated relationship with his father (Prithviraj Sukumaran) and a disturbed childhood drives his character to the farthest end of seeking vengeance. The story of Sarzameen revolves around Colonel Vijay Menon, who plays the role of a dedicated Indian Army officer who is committed to his duty in Kashmir, to the extent that he might choose his duty over family. He combats a personal crisis when his son Harman (Ibrahim Ali Khan) becomes radicalised by terrorists. The story then unravels to highlight the conflict between Vijay's responsibility towards his nation and his love for his son, particularly after he returns as a changed man.