Why did you agree to be a part of Inferno?
There are several reasons. Firstly, working with Ron (Howard) was something I was keen on. Tom Hanks and the entire cast of Inferno seemed interesting to work with. And this is the third part of the series (after The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons) by Dan Brown. I am a huge fan of Dan’s writing and I have read all the three parts. So you can say, there was no reason for me to not do this film.

We believe that you chose the role of ‘The Provost’. What about the role got you interested?
I was offered some other character, but I asked Ron whether I could play The Provost instead. He was curious to know why I wanted to enact that particular character. When I told him how I conceptualised the role, he liked it and agreed.

What was the role you were first offered?
I was offered the role of Christoph Bruder, head of the SRS team. Personally, I was keen on the role of The Provost. When Ron and I discussed this, he liked my insight on the character and what I would add as an actor to it. And here I am playing The Provost! 

As an actor, you always look for characters that you haven’t played before. The Provost has been a thrilling character for me. He is meticulous and is in charge of a dangerous secretive job.
 
The film released in India two weeks before the US....
I think it’s wonderful that India as a market is opening to different kinds of cinema, including Hollywood. It’s great to know that international counterparts see India as a booming market and are giving the movie a priority release.
The film deals with the good vs evil theme. However, the evil here are man-made issues and that makes the film relatable and contemporary.  The audience can expect a crisp and taut thriller. 

Tom Hanks and Ron Howard have repeatedly lavished praise on you. What was the experience of shooting with Tom and being directed by Ron?
Tom is a very warm person and an outstanding human being. I enjoyed every moment of working with him. Whenever two actors are familiar with each other’s work and you admire the actor, the shoot becomes an engaging affair. He is very professional and he takes his job seriously. However, he is such a warm person that he keeps the energy on the sets to the highest. His energy is so infectious that you have a good time on the sets. 

I have always been a fan of Ron Howard’s work. It was definitely an enriching experience to have worked with both in Inferno.

Your favourite Tom Hanks performance and your favourite Ron Howard film?
Apollo 13 (1995) is my favourite film of both Tom Hanks and Ron Howard.

Many Indian stars are now acting in Hollywood, but you have always been considered a trailblazer. When you look back at your first Hollywood film, did you imagine the journey would shape up the way it has?
Honestly, when I acted in The Warrior (2001), I wasn’t even sure what it would bring with it. That was my first breakthrough and since then it’s been a rewarding way so far. I never plan things, not even a career in international films. Till date I view any film as a film and not look at what global recognition it will get me.

What do you have to say about Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone’s foray into Hollywood?
It is always good to see a fellow actor do well and the way Priyanka has aggressively done it is commendable. Deepika is a talented girl and is very clear of what choices she makes, so I am sure she will do great for herself in her Hollywood debut (xXx: The Return of Xander Cage).

As an actor who straddles both the worlds very comfortably, where do you think your heart really lies?
My people are in India and so are my stories. Today, small and unconventional films are redefining cinema in India and I am happy to be a part of this brave and new world. Hollywood is just a bonus! I keep getting interesting offers but I never really feel like leaving India. 

What is the biggest difference between Bollywood and Hollywood?
Hollywood is competitive and tough, just like Bollywood. The biggest difference is that Hollywood is very complicated. Good actors, who are doing great in theatre, count themselves lucky if they get two auditions a month in Hollywood. Being there is not a joke.

International filmmaking is all about the story and the script. Everyone works in tandem to make the film a wholesome experience. Things in the Indian film industry are changing rapidly… it’s moving from formula and star-driven films to more content-based stories.

What concerns you about Indian cinema right now?
Indian audiences have come to a point where they are hungry for newer storytelling ideas and content. The way films have fared in the last couple of years, especially this year, clearly shows that the older techniques and formula of filmmaking are not working anymore. Some Hollywood films are also doing better than Bollywood films in India.

For me, personally, I see this as a great void for enterprising producers, directors and actors to break the mould and serve fresh content to the audiences. Also, the way Hollywood films are faring in India, it is a harsh wake-up call for Bollywood films.

Would you ever be up for a full-fledged negative role and a full-blown comedy part in Bollywood?
As an actor, I am open to any character that is challenging enough and pushes the envelope for me. Comedy is something I always wish to do. Piku (co-starring Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan) had its own comedic subtle moments which I thoroughly enjoyed. As for a negative character, I am always up for anything that gets the actor in me excited.

Your chemistry with Deepika in Piku was one of the high points of the film. Who else do you think you may share similar chemistry with?
Anyone that the audience would like to see me with. I feel the director has to be excited and pair me with an actress who he or she can imagine me on screen with. Shoojit (Sircar, Piku director) could see Deepika and me together in the movie. I am hoping there are more Shoojits who are open up for exciting pairings with me! 

How has Irrfan Khan the actor changed over the years?
You should tell me that! Personally, I feel I just become more experienced with every passing film.

A+ FOR IRRFAN

THE TIMES, LONDON
The movie is a cavalcade of quirky supporting performances (Irrfan Khan as a covert, karate-chopping “fixer” is priceless)

THE DAILY MAIL
But, with the exception of Khan’s engagingly hammy performance, there’s scarcely a whit of charm or fun in Inferno, which drags on for two increasingly painful hours

TIMEOUT
A shadowy consortium led by ace fixer Harry Sims (Irrfan Khan, having so much lip-smacking fun he almost rescues the movie)

THE SUN (UK)
Were it not for Irrfan Khan shining through as a particularly sarcastic agency boss, you’d really struggle with the whole thing

VARIETY
A ripe Irrfan Khan, having the most fun of anyone here....

Is Irrfan Khan a more versatile actor than Tom Hanks? 
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