Ranveer Singh closed 2021 with one of his most ambitious films, 83. While the sports drama’s box-office fate may have been hampered by the third wave, there’s no denying that the actor delivered one of his finest performances in the film. Up ahead, he has a promising line-up of movies — from the heartfelt Jayeshbhai Jordaar to Rohit Shetty’s laugh riot Cirkus, from Shankar’s remake of the blockbuster, Anniyan (2005) to Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Though each film belongs to a distinct genre, they represent what Singh is craving in this phase of his career — family entertainers.

“I’m going through a phase where I want to focus my energies on telling stories that can be received seamlessly by the widest spectrum of audience,” says the actor, adding that he is consciously hand-picking family fares. “I have become more family-oriented as a person, as the years have gone by. I’ve realised that my circle has become smaller. Right now, I cherish the films that I can watch with my in-laws, parents, and kids in the family.”

His decision is driven as much by his state of mind as by the current state of theatres. Where cinemas have been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic, OTT platforms have become the new destination for entertainment. In such a scenario, Singh feels it is the responsibility of mainstream actors to lure people back to the theatres. “When you watch films sitting together [in a movie hall], that cinematic experience creates a bond. Watching 3 Idiots [2009] with my friends is a shared experience I’ll never forget. Community-viewing binds people. So, I want to be part of films where a family can have a shared experience; [films] that don’t make anyone uncomfortable and are not a solo watch. I want to bring people together through entertainment.”