Actor Pratik Gandhi recently sat down for an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz, where he went on to talk about an array of things ranging from how his latest title, Netflix‘s Dhoom Dhaam would probably never have been made if you go by logic, making sure to move away from stereotypes, and comedy being a tricky space among other things.

I was clear that if people appreciated something I had done and I kept offering them similar content, the same audience would eventually reject me.

Q. When you a carve a film like this, the obvious question that might arrive is that – how much is too much? How do you make sure to strike a balance between making sure that the audiences’ suspension of disbelief is limited and at the same time, there are logical consistencies as well?

Pratik: Suspension of disbelief is crucial when it comes to films. If we strictly go by logic, then this film cannot be made. Do you know anyone who has never confronted such situations in life? No, but that applies to many other films and stories as well. In fact, no superhero film makes complete sense. Most films defy the laws of physics, which is why suspension of disbelief plays a key role in storytelling. As far as films are concerned, this is not a realistic film, and we all know that. Within the framework of the film we were creating, we had to be very clear about defining the range within which we would tell the story.

Q. Pratik, you are amognst the few actors who have managed to break out the shackles of being stereotyped after being incredibly loved for a particular role. How conscious are you of it even today?

Pratik: Very conscious. As you correctly said, I didn’t want to put myself into a particular bracket and limit myself. I was clear that if people appreciated something I had done and I kept offering them similar content, the same audience would eventually reject me. They have every right to do so. Audiences can be ruthless, and it is important to serve them surprises. This approach benefits me as well, ensuring longevity as an actor. One has to constantly experiment. I had been doing the same on stage, though the stakes were much lower back then. Now, in a different medium, the stakes are higher, but I want to present myself to the audience in such a way that whenever they see me on stage or screen, they feel that something new is coming—something they don’t expect. That also helps me build greater acceptability.

Q. With Dhoom Dhaam and the kind of situations that you created and executed, for the comedy to land, how did you make sure it never becomes unfunny while being subjective?

Pratik: It’s a very tricky space because when I read a script, I visualize the film in my mind based on my sensibilities, understanding, and life experiences. However, the director’s perspective is of utmost importance. Once the shoot is done, I step away, but the director remains involved from start to finish. The director sees the film as a whole and has knowledge of things I may not.

That’s why collaboration with the director is crucial. I want to understand their vision and the range within which they want to tell the story. For example, there was a scene initially written differently in one of the drafts. In the first sequence, where Yami Gautam Dhar’s Koyal picks up a gun, it was originally planned that a shotgun would be used, and due to the recoil, the character would fall from the balcony.

However, during discussions with the team—including the director, the writer Aditya, and the producer—we realized that using a shotgun would push the scene beyond the realm of believability in our universe. Instead, we decided to go with a pistol, which fit better within the story’s logic. These are the kinds of choices we made to maintain consistency and believability within our film.

Watch the full interview below-