Ali Abbas Zafar kickstarted his career with the light-hearted entertainer, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011), but soon shifted gears and ventured into intense action with Gunday (2014). His adept handling of action sequences and the scale of the film showcased his prowess as a director. Taking his craft to new heights, Zafar collaborated with superstar Salman Khan for his third film, Sultan (2016), which turned out to be a massive blockbuster. Their successful partnership continued with Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), featuring a memorable climax where Salman Khan wields a giant machine gun, creating a frenzy in cinemas.
This iconic scene not only captivated audiences but also inspired filmmakers across the country. Its impact can be seen in films like Kaithi (2019), Vikram (2022), KGF – Chapter 2 (2022), Pathaan (2023), Bholaa (2023), and even in the gun scene of the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal (2023), which took grandeur to another level.
During an exclusive interaction with Bollywood Hungama while promoting Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Ali Abbas Zafar was asked about pioneering this trend and his thoughts on it. With a charming smile, the blockbuster filmmaker responded, “A lot of people have said that. I believe that when Salman does it, it’s just different!”
Zafar further added, “There’s only one Salman Khan and there’s only one gun scene, in Tiger Zinda Hai. You can give the gun to a lot of actors, but the way he fires that gun, nobody can fire. That’s my ode to Mr. Salman!”
The camaraderie between Ali Abbas Zafar and Salman Khan continued with their collaboration on Bharat (2019). Their fondness for each other is evident, as Salman Khan tweeted the trailer of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, praising the film and Ali. During the conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Zafar emphasized, “He’s very fond of us. He also knows that the kind of films I make for the big screen are very clean, family entertainers. Salman sir stands by that kind of cinema. Hence, he knows that Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is meant for all kinds of audiences – kids, older people, families, etc. He also knows that there would be whistle-worthy moments.”
Starring Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is set to release in cinemas on April 10. With Zafar’s track record and the star-studded cast, audiences can anticipate an entertaining cinematic experience that caters to all age groups.
