The dishy and debonair Kunal Kapoor has been selective with his choice of films since his breakout role in Rang De Basanti (2006). He last appeared in the magnum opus, The Empire (2021). Known for choosing stories rooted in realism, Kapoor found Robbie Grewal’s upcoming Netflix heist thriller, Jewel Thief, a tempting opportunity to embrace something more filmy. “I grew up watching these films [filled with] dialogue baazi. It’s great fun to do, especially because all the films that I have done have been more real, not over the top. Here was a chance to not only be rooted and real but also have a lot of fun with it. In fact, I would love to do more of it,” smiles Kapoor.

Produced by Siddharth Anand’s Marflix Pictures, the film also stars Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Nikita Dutta. As much fun as it was to shoot for it, Kapoor, who plays a cop in Jewel Thief, says a commercial entertainer is more difficult to pull off than a “serious film”, contrary to popular belief. “People assume it’s difficult to make a serious film. I think it’s even more difficult to make an entertaining film, especially a thriller. It’s difficult to get it right because you need to keep the audience hooked. [That’s why] it’s important that you work with the right people,” says the actor, who returns to films after four years.