For Saif Ali Khan, Marflix Productions’ Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins wasn’t just another film; it was a thrilling plunge into an electrifying parallel universe. Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, the upcoming Netflix action-heist film boasts a star-studded cast including Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta, and Kunal Kapoor. At its heart is Saif’s character, Rehan Roy, a charming rogue with a rebellious streak, an adventurous spirit, and a fierce love for family.
Reflecting on playing Rehan, Saif explains, “Playing a thief in a heist movie is incredibly interesting because Rehan challenges the system and bends the rules. It’s fascinating to watch, read about, and portray. Rehan is an organized and stylish thief with an adventurous spirit and a loving family man. He embodies the quintessential Hindi film hero, breaking rules, cons people, but with a kind heart. You see the bigger picture, which made him irresistible to portray and, I believe, captivating to watch.”
But it wasn’t just Rehan’s complexity that drew Saif in — it was the hyper-stylized universe of Jewel Thief. A wild cocktail of high-octane action, surreal flair, and comic-book energy, the film felt more like a fantasy come to life. “You don’t get offers like this every day,” Saif explains. “It’s addictive because you’re living in an alternate universe full of energy. It’s a world of red diamonds, mafia dons with guns, whiskey glasses being thrown at people’s faces, people getting kicked out of windows… now we’re robbing some museum — it’s action-packed yet fantastical. Rehan’s character is cool, larger-than-life, and set in this neon universe that feels like a comic book. It was really cool and fun. Filming was so much fun that when I got home, I was itching to come back. I knew it would be weird when it was over. Actors talk about how hard it is to get a film out of your system — I think this one will take time because I had an absolute blast shooting it.”
With his signature blend of charm, rebellion, and heart, Saif’s Rehan promises to be a magnetic presence in Jewel Thief. He may live in a world of red diamonds and high-stakes drama, but at his core, he’s a man driven by love, instinct, and a taste for freedom. As Saif puts it: this wasn’t just a film — it was an experience. Some roles are for the story, and others? They’re for the thrill.
