Actor Saif Ali Khan spoke about shutting down his production banner, Illuminati Films, after a run of successful films, saying that while producing was creatively fulfilling, it could also become an “extremely thankless job”. In a recent interview, Khan reflected on why he stepped away from the banner, what he enjoyed about production, and how that phase of his career unfolded.
Khan launched Illuminati Films in 2009 with Imtiaz Ali’s hit romantic comedy Love Aaj Kal. The banner later backed Sriram Raghavan’s Agent Vinod, Homi Adajania’s Cocktail, Raj and Krishna DK’s zombie comedy Go Goa Gone, and the romantic comedy Happy Ending. After that phase, he wrapped up the banner and only co-produced Nitin Kakkar’s Jawaani Jaaneman with Pooja Entertainment.
Why Saif Ali Khan shut down Illuminati Films
In an interview with Screen, Khan said, “I think it can be an extremely thankless job. But it’s very creative. I like the idea of having an idea and discussing some creatives like the sound and look of things. I did enjoy producing, but it can also be a massive pain.”
The actor also credited his former distribution partner Eros International and producer Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films for the successful run of Illuminati Films.
“Things move, people move. You see it all over the place. Dinesh has gone on to become a wonderful producer, and that’s great. We had our time, and I did extremely well out of it, and it had a lot to do with what Eros was doing at the time. It was a wonderful opportunity. But some things are meant to last however long they do,” Khan added.
On working with Shah Rukh Khan
Saif Ali Khan is currently promoting his latest Netflix film, Kartavya, which is produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. Earlier, in his interview with India Today, the Cocktail actor spoke about his friendship and camaraderie with Shah Rukh Khan.
He also recalled working with Shah Rukh Khan in Kal Ho Naa Ho and said the experience shaped his understanding of stardom and leadership on set. “It was entirely my privilege to have the chance to work with him in Kal Ho Naa Ho, in such a nice role. And it kind of prepped me on how to be the main lead in a movie because I saw all the very extra things he does,” he said.
About Kartavya
Kartavya follows Pawan, played by Saif Ali Khan, a police officer who comes under scrutiny after a journalist is shot while under his watch. As pressure mounts from his senior officers, he is drawn into a manhunt for the attacker, which pulls him into a web of power, influence, and deception.
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