Following the massive success of Gadar 2, which reignited his popularity among fans, Hindi cinema star Sunny Deol says he is ready to embark on a new phase in his 42-year career with a few upcoming projects in the streaming space.
Sunny, the action star of the 1990s films Ghatak, Arjun, and Damini, returned to the movies with a bang in 2023 with the sequel to his 2001 blockbuster Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.
The 67-year-old actor, who is awaiting the release of his film Jaat, said his OTT debut will allow people to watch his work on more than one medium.
"I'm doing a couple of projects for OTT, and they are not meant for the silver screen because the audience of that is niche. So, it's best to go there (OTT). People keep watching your films on different platforms.
"It is an interesting thing (medium) for actors and directors because it offers all kinds of variety, and you don't have to restrict yourself to something," Sunny told PTI in an interview here.
The actor said he wants to explore "newer kinds of roles".
"I am already doing something (like that), I'm looking into it. But it all depends if a writer and director offer you something (different). If you try and look for it, then it becomes difficult," he added.
Sunny credited OTT platforms for making his films relevant for the new generation of cinema goers.
"Those who didn't see our films in cinema (halls) but it became relevant on digital platforms, and today's generation got to see it. I thank God and everybody for loving us so much." Billed as a high-octane drama with larger-than-life action sequences, Jaat is different from his previous movies, he said.
The film, set to be released on April 10, is directed by south filmmaker Gopichand Malineni, known for Don Seenu, Bodyguard, Balupu, and Veera Simha Reddy.
"I enjoyed working on Jaat because it was a refreshing thing to do. Whenever we do South films, they are mostly remakes. For me it's a new film. For the first time, I'm working with a South director, and it has been a great experience. We all learn so much from each other," he said.
For Sunny, he always looks at the story before signing a film, not action sequences.
"It's the story and the characters that drive the character to do what he does, and all of this makes the action look good. Most of the subjects that I've done or the characters I've portrayed are defending or fighting for something or are stuck in some situation wherein he (hero) stands up and fights. In real life, too, I believe you've to fight it out to be where you want to be," he said.
Besides Jaat and his upcoming OTT projects, Sunny has a host of films lined up including, Border 2, a sequel to his iconic 1997 film.
"I have emotions attached with every film because every film is a baby. You want to do your best every time. When you do part two (Border 2), you can justify things, and people get happy and satisfied, but there's always pressure as well. However, we will ensure that we don't overthink things," he added.
He is also collaborating with renowned filmmaker and his longtime friend Rajkumar Santoshi on period drama Lahore 1947, and is reported to play a pivotal role in Nitesh Tiwari's two-part Ramayana.
Jaat also features Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher and Regina Cassandra.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, the film will release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages.