7 Dogs directors Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah on working with Salman Khan

New Delhi: Working with Salman Khan on their international action spectacle “7 Dogs” was like attending a film school for directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. The Moroccan-Belgian filmmaking duo, known for “Bad Boys for Life” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” worked on a star-studded global cast for the Saudi Arabian movie, led by Ahmed Ezz and Karim Abdel Aziz as an Interpol officer and a criminal figure who team up against a transnational criminal network. Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt have pivotal roles, alongside Monica Bellucci and Giancarlo Esposito. Adil El Arbi noted Salman Khan’s effortless charisma, likening it to Will Smith’s presence. He described Khan’s ability to instantly grasp scenes and elevate them, saying, 'He knows right away what the scene is. And he will do it perfectly. And then he will create, he will give you so much more.' The film, titled “7 Dogs,” follows Interpol officer Khalid Al-Azzazi (Ahmed Ezz) who captures Ghali Abu Dawood (Karim Abdel Aziz), a senior figure in the criminal organization known as 7 Dogs. When the syndicate begins trafficking Pink Lady, a synthetic drug, Khalid must work with Ghali to dismantle the network, leading to conflicts with regional and international figures. Salman Khan plays Johar, an ex-Interpol officer who becomes an unlikely ally. Bilall Fallah highlighted Khan’s creative contributions, noting he often added memorable one-liners during filming. Their experience with Sanjay Dutt, known for blockbusters like “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” and “Agneepath,” was equally impactful. Adil El Arbi praised Dutt’s experience and creativity, mentioning his latest film series “Dhurandhar,” which became one of India’s highest-grossing movies. Bilall Fallah described a close bond with Dutt, emphasizing his warmth and artistic vision. The duo also reflected on their early love for Indian cinema, particularly Shah Rukh Khan’s “My Name Is Khan,” which resonated deeply with them as Moroccans and Muslims in Europe. They expressed admiration for Indian cinema’s creativity, noting its underrepresentation globally. The filmmakers hope audiences enjoy “7 Dogs” as a large-scale action adventure with engaging characters and humor. They also hinted at potential future collaborations with Indian stars, including Shah Rukh Khan and Will Smith.