20th June 2023, Mumbai: In his latest Hollywood movie, ‘Kandahar,’ Ali Fazal embraced a new adventure—learning the art of dirt biking. While the sport is still relatively uncommon in India, Ali, portraying the character of Kahil, dedicated time during the shoot to acquire the necessary skills for his role. As a war thriller, this film marks Ali’s first venture into the realm of high-octane action. Extensively filmed in Saudi Arabia’s Al Ula region, ‘Kandahar’ showcases Ali’s commitment to delivering an authentic and thrilling performance.
For Ali, dirt biking has become a beloved passion and a welcomed break from regular city biking. However, he humbly acknowledges that perfection is a constant pursuit. Working with an exceptional stunt team on a meticulously measured and state-of-the-art production like ‘Kandahar,’ Ali deliberately chose a simple and affordable bike, such as a KTM, over more glamorous options like Ducati or Hayabusa. The choice was driven by the need to perform genuine stunts in the desert, where faking the adrenaline-charged scenes was not an option. To master the art, Ali arrived 25 days before the shoot, immersing himself in learning various riding techniques, from riding on sand to executing different skids, breaks, and turns. Beyond the stunts, Ali believes in the power of body language and captivating the audience, as he shares a profound camaraderie with his stunt double, tackling daring shots on treacherous cliffs.
‘Kandahar’ features an ensemble of acclaimed international actors, including Gerard Butler, Travis Fimmel, and Navid Negahban. Following its release in North American theaters, the film is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. In this action-packed thriller, Ali portrays Kahil, one of the main antagonists, showcasing his versatility and dedication as an actor.
With his immersive approach to character preparation and willingness to explore new avenues, Ali Fazal’s role in ‘Kandahar’ stands as a testament to his commitment to delivering compelling performances. As audiences dive into the world of ‘Kandahar,’ they can witness Ali’s passion, determination, and skill as he takes on the challenges of dirt biking and brings Kahil to life on the silver screen.