Ali Abbas Zafar on reuniting with his Sultan: ‘I like to celebrate Salman Khan's glory on the big screen’

Salman Khan and Ali Abbas Zafar have worked together on movies like Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai, and Bharat. The director-actor team has a perfect track record; over the years, rumors about their upcoming fourth collaboration have persisted. It's too soon to comment on the dates, but in an exclusive interview, Ali acknowledged that he is developing a movie with the superstar. "God has been nice that my name is there with him as a combo of actor and director," Ali remarks about the pairing. He is a massive star; I have always said I adore him.

The director says, "What I like doing with him is honoring his success on the big screen, and that's what classic moviegoers want." Over time, producers have frequently praised prominent actors onscreen, and viewers have shown them much support. I want to write Salman Sir's characters as strong as his on-screen image. After the release of Bharat, the two decided to take a break, but now that it has been three years, a reunion is appropriate, according to Ali. I've always said to myself, "When Salman sir and I work together again, it should be the movie where the character stands up to what we've done in the past."

So what is the current state of their fourth movie? "Well, I'm currently developing a character. When it is completed, I will give Salman sir a copy. After that, start writing. We will reunite after he approves the movie, inshallah. All of it is still a work in progress. But does he develop Salman's personality before scripts? "Yes, since he has such a massive following. Until and unless you find the authentic character that at least somewhat captures his persona, it is not worthwhile to make a movie with him. The film and character must appear enormous, something that the audience anticipates.

Because of the size of his audience's diaspora, whether in India or abroad, Ali adds that the story must also require his presence. That's where a significant portion of my work goes, and I'm now working on it. Consider the scenario: I am working on locking a story that calls for his presence.

Ali Abbas Zafar Upcoming Projects

Ali is currently working on the pre-production of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan with Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, while the Salman Khan movie is still planned. It will be released around Christmas in 2023.