The actor opens up about stepping into the world of red diamonds, mafia dons, and museum heists — and why playing a rule-breaking, big-hearted thief felt like embracing the quintessential Hindi film hero
Saif Ali Khan, Marflix Productions’ Jewel Thief-The Heist Begins, wasn’t just another film; it was a dive into an electrifying parallel universe. Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, the upcoming action heist film features a star-studded cast including Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta and Kunal Kapoor. Saif plays Rehan Roy, the charming rogue with a penchant for rebellion, an adventurous spirit and a deep-seated love for family.
Reflecting on playing Rehan, Saif shares, “Playing a thief in a heist movie is very interesting because he is someone who challenges the system, bending the rules, it’s kind of fascinating to watch and read through and portray. Rehaan is a thief with organisation, with swag, an adventurer at heart and a family man. He is the quintessential Hindi film hero in that sense- breaks rules, cons people, but is kind at heart, and you see the bigger picture. It was this dynamic that made him irresistible to portray, and I believe attractive to watch.”
However, it wasn’t just Rehaan’s complexity that drew Saif In. It was the hyper-stylised world of Jewel Thief. A blend of high-octane action, surreal flair, and comic-book energy that made filming feel more like living out a fantasy.
“You don’t get offers like this every day,” Saif explains. “It is addictive because you’re living in an alternate universe full of energy. It is a world of red diamonds, mafia dons with guns, whiskey glasses being thrown at people’s faces, people kicking you out of windows, high octane action, now robbing some museum, it’s action-packed yet fantastical. Rehan’s character is cool, larger than life, set in this neon universe, feels like a comic book, so it is really cool and fun. Filming was so fun that when I got home, I was itching to come back and knew it would be weird when it was over. I think actors talk about how to get a film out of your system, I feel like this one will take time because I had an absolute blast shooting it.”
With his blend of charm, rebellion, and heart, Saif’s Rehaan promises to be a magnetic presence in Jewel Thief. Rehaan may live in a world of red diamonds, guns, and high-stakes thrill, but at his core, he’s a man driven by heart, instinct, and a taste for freedom. As Saif puts it, this wasn’t just a film but an experience. And certain roles are for the story, the others are for the thrill.
Catch this Jewel Thief red-handed! Jewel Thief- The Heist Begins, streaming only on Netflix, April 25th!