The pandemic may have thrown everyone’s plans into disarray, but actor John Abraham was certain of one thing: his film Satyameva Jayate 2 (SJ2) would only be released in theatres. “I was 100% sure we would have to wait. If we had to wait for another six months, we would have, for a theatrical release. There was no other option. We were very clear,” says the 48-year-old actor, who will play not one, not two, but three characters in the film.

The reopening of theatres, on the other hand, has resulted in a barrage of back-to-back releases every week, with SJ2 and Salman Khan’s Antim: The Final Truth both opening in theatres with barely a day’s gap.

Ask him should all filmmakers have met to discuss how to avoid this audience split, at least initially? He agrees, “Yes, I feel at least, in the first six months, all films should have decided to give each other some space. But, unfortunately, I am aware of the fact that there are more films than space. If clashes are inevitable, so be it. We can only wish well for others. That’s all. Also, everything hinges on whether or not you have an audience, and thankfully, Sooryavanshi has opened the floodgates. So we’re hoping audiences come in and enjoy themselves.”

So far, two trailers for SJ2 have been released, with the actor admitting that he prefers the second one. “That’s because that’s the grain of the film. The songs are performing exceptionally well. Jan Gan Mann has taken off faster than I expected. My favourite song, though, is always going to be Meri Zindagi,” says the actor, who is playing three roles for the first time in his career.

He corrects us by stating that this is also his first time playing a dual role. “I initially refused to do the third role and said it’s too much for me,” he says, describing shooting the characters as “overwhelming.” “Then Milap (Zaveri, director) persuaded me, saying, ‘Listen, this role is very important’, and he was right. That is my best role in the film, in my opinion. Those 45 minutes in the film are beyond fantastic. The rest of the film is entertaining, but the third role of a farmer elevates the film. I felt overworked at times, but the process was enjoyable because Milap is a positive person. I complain a lot,” he signs off.