Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Ali Fazal calls for more creative risk-taking in Bollywood

Ali Fazal
  • Ali Fazal is set to star alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
  • He has found success across Bollywood, OTT, and Hollywood.
  • He is critical of the formulaic approach that often dominates cinema.

Actor Ali Fazal is set to star alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the upcoming film Rule Breakers, which explores resilience and defiance in Afghanistan.

The film, inspired by Roya Mehboob, the founder of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, features both actors in pivotal roles, with Fazal emphasizing their integral parts in the film’s core narrative. Despite not sharing many scenes with Waller-Bridge, Fazal’s role is crucial to the story.

While Fazal has found success across Bollywood, OTT, and Hollywood, he is critical of the formulaic approach that often dominates commercial cinema. He expresses, “Formula works once maybe. Not twice or thrice. We can’t keep pushing that. Ki ek cheez kaam kar gayi to uski 5 cheezein niklengi. That eco-system has to diversify. That shouldn’t be the only focus.”

He advocates for more creative risk-taking, urging filmmakers to “take a leap of faith” and explore new storytelling horizons.

Fazal, who opted out of Fukrey 3, shares that it wasn’t a deliberate attempt to avoid formula films but rather due to a commitment to Vishal Bhardwaj’s project. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledges the legacy of pioneers like Shashi Kapoor and Satyajit Ray. He adds, “Sadly we lost Irrfan bhai. He would have been beautifully blossoming right now.”

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Ali Fazal to star with Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Hollywood’s ‘Rule Breakers’

Ali Fazal
  • Ali Fazal expressed his enthusiasm for his latest international project.
  • He will soon join the cast of Rule Breakers.
  • He described the film as worth watching for young girls.

Ali Fazal expressed his enthusiasm for his latest international project, Rule Breakers, describing it as a film that “every parent should make their daughter watch in theaters.”

The actor highlighted the significance of the story, which revolves around the Afghani robotics team for girls and the inspiring journey of Roya Mahboob. Fazal also praised his co-star, Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, saying, “The story being so inspiring, it was no surprise that Phoebe also stepped in. Of course, she is a powerhouse of talent, so her addition I am sure has lifted the film to greater heights.”

Teasing the plot further, Ali revealed, “We play key roles at different stages in Roya Mahboob’s life and journey along with the Afghani robotics team for girls.” Directed by two-time Academy Award winner Bill Guttentag and produced by Angel Studios, Rule Breakers explores themes of resilience and defiance in Afghanistan. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in March 2025.

On the personal front, Ali Fazal and his wife, Richa Chadha, welcomed their first child, a daughter, in July 2024. In a recent interview with Vogue India, the couple shared their daughter’s name, Zuneyra Ida Fazal, marking a joyful new chapter in their lives.

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