In a refreshingly candid moment at The Hollywood Reporter India's 2025 Actors Roundtable, filmmaker and actor Basil Joseph won over attendees with his humorous and relatable take on the often-intricate films of Hollywood visionary Christopher Nolan. The discussion, which brought together a diverse group of Indian cinema talents, took a playful turn as artists shared their honest viewing experiences.
Basil Joseph's Witty Observation on Nolan's Film Legacy
Known for his comedic timing both on and off-screen, Basil Joseph, the director of the hit film 'Minnal Murali', addressed the unique social pressure that comes with watching a Christopher Nolan movie. He pointed out a common scenario where admitting confusion after a Nolan film can lead to judgment. "Sometimes, you watch a Nolan film, and then if you end up telling someone, 'Hey, I didn't understand the film,' they'll be like, 'Well, you didn't?'" Joseph remarked, eliciting instant laughter from the room.
He elaborated that such reactions create an unconscious pressure on viewers even before the film begins. "We will sit down to watch the movie with the mindset that I should be understanding the movie," he explained, highlighting the weight of intellectual expectation that accompanies Nolan's celebrated filmography.
Ishaan Khatter Draws a Bollywood Parallel
As the laughter subsided, actor Ishaan Khatter joined the conversation with his own clever contribution, drawing an unexpected parallel between the Hollywood auteur and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Khatter suggested that both have expressed a similar sentiment, albeit in vastly different styles.
He humorously quoted Salman Khan's iconic line, "Dil mein aata hoon, samajh mein nahi" (I enter the heart, not the understanding). Khatter explained that this philosophy applies to certain cinematic experiences, where a film's emotional impact transcends its logical or narrative complexity, allowing it to resonate on a deeper, more intuitive level.
Dhruv Vikram & Rukmini Vasanth Praise Mammootty's Bold Choice
The conversation then shifted from directors to actors, specifically focusing on powerful and risky performances. Actor Dhruv Vikram revealed that the last film he watched in a theater was the Malayalam thriller 'Kalamkaval', starring the legendary Mammootty.
Dhruv expressed his admiration and surprise at seeing a superstar of Mammootty's stature embrace such a dark and intense role. He noted that many established actors might hesitate to take on such challenging and potentially image-altering parts, but Mammootty's fearless choice was truly inspiring. "Seeing Mammootty play a serial killer was inspiring," Vikram stated, adding that such bold decisions underscore why the veteran actor is considered special.
This sentiment was echoed by actress Rukmini Vasanth. Earlier, she had spoken about her apprehension towards playing negative roles. When Ishaan Khatter asked if she now felt ready for such characters, Rukmini responded with a smile and graceful deference, "That's Mammootty, sir. I am Rukmini." Her reply served as a gentle yet powerful tribute to the acting prowess and fearlessness of the veteran icon, acknowledging the gulf between his experience and her own journey.
The roundtable discussion provided a fascinating glimpse into the minds of contemporary Indian artists, blending humor, honesty, and deep respect for craft across global and regional cinema. The event concluded with the unveiling of the trailer for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, 'The Odyssey'.
