This is special for Sonu Sood. After 25 years in the industry, the actor is set to make his directorial debut with Fateh. The cybercrime-based action film also features Jacqueliene Fernandez, Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Raaz in pivotal roles. Sonu promises that the Indian audience will witness never-before seen action that matches international standards. Fateh hits the screens on January 10.

Talking about turning director, Sonu, who plays the titular role of an ex-Special Ops operative, says, “Being an engineer, there was always an itch to explore the technical side of filmmaking. Also, all the directors, producers and actors I have worked with have always said I should try my hand at direction. When the script of Fateh came to me, I could see the whole film in front of my eyes, which made me realize that this should be my first directorial venture.”

Sonu, who is a fan of the action genre, wanted the stunt sequences to match international standards. He says, “I brought together a team of experts from all over the world to make something that would not only surprise the Indian audience, but also the foreign viewers. With Fateh, I want to show the West what an Indian action film looks like. From sound design and editing to lighting, everything is such that Fateh comes across as a game-changer in the action genre. Every single fight scene was written in detail on paper, which makes the action look spectacular.”

Talking about juggling acting and direction at the same time, Sonu shares, “While making the movie for three years, I didn’t take up any other project. Through Fateh, I wanted to portray myself the way I always thought I should be shown on screen. Sometimes you have to write your own story, direct your own film and present yourself the way you want to.”