“Have I come up with an Award Winning Act?”-Saif Ali Khan

Kurbaan has released and while the film has seen wide critical acclaim coming its way; it has also been appreciated for its hard hitting theme and a thrilling narrative. However, there have also been murmurs around its similarities with New York. Saif Ali Khan, the film's lead actor, has his own take on affairs though.

With the release of Kurbaan, there are similarities been drawn with New York and to a lesser extent Fanaa. Were you prepared for the queries coming your way?
Leave aside audiences, media or industry people thinking like this, even I as an actor asked the same question when Kurbaan came to me. Even I had New York and Fanaa at the back of my mind. However, once I heard the film's script, all my doubts went out of the window. I know it is not Fanaa. Also, I have not seen New York but have read its script and I know for sure that you can't compare the two films.

The element of terror in a foreign land is similar though!
This way even Ek Haseena Thi and Kill Bill could be considered the same as well. Why have Hollywood comparisons, even closer home my own Love Aaj Kal could be called similar to Hum Tum in that case. Both were conversational films around how two people come together after time once they have grown further in their life. But does that really make these films similar? Nahi naa! Each story has a different style in which is told and Kurbaan has its own narrative as well. It's a totally different world and treatment out here.

Do you think that the promotion, right from the revealing of the First Look poster, sent out the right messaging to the audiences?
Absolutely, things have been going quite well for Kurbaan and I am of course glad about that. I always feel that it's the First Look of the film which is equally important as the rest of the promotion for weeks to come. It is required to be so very correct because this is what starts sending out the right vibes to the audiences. Today's audiences are quite demanding and so many times they make a decision around whether they would watch the film or not on the sheer basis of the first impression that it has managed to create.

Kurbaan has released quite close to the 1st anniversary of infamous 26/11 episode. Is it really coincidental, considering the fact that the film raises questions around global terrorism?
How can you even presume something like this? Karan had this idea for a while now and we had actually begun shooting for the film in US when 26/11 happened. It has been a regular course of movie making that normally spans a year. Now when the movie is releasing, it is sheer coincidence to have it so close to 26/11. Yes, the fact though is that terrorism is pretty much on our face till date and we continue to be affected by that.

While critics have appreciated your performance in the film, even audiences seem to have found a new Saif. Moreover, Kareena too says that due to the complexity in your character and the way you have handled it, you should be a strong contender for all major awards for 2009. Should we believe her?
[Laughs] Have I come up with an award winning act? Well, I won't say that. Really, I never thought of an award while shooting for Kurbaan. Yes, it's a tough and a strong role but what I have done isn't stupendous. Yes, the film is stupendous though. It is a deadly movie for sure. Regarding my performance, it's for people to decide and let me know!