Alexx O’Nell recently received rave reviews for his portrayal of John Lyre in ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on March 21. The film, however, failed to impress critics and they expressed displeasure with Sara Ali Khan’s performance in the period drama.
Speaking exclusively to News X, Alexx defended the young actress and said that the reviews haven’t been fair to her.
“Sara is wonderful and I don’t think the reviews she has received have been fair to her. When I watched the film with friends, not from Bollywood, they were like its fine. Nowadays people are out to get star kids if they are not phenomenal, So, with Sara unless her performance was going to be amazing the reviews were always going to give her a difficult time. It has been unfair but that is her criticism to answer,” he said.
Alexx also praised Sara’s dedication and said he wants to collaborate with her on a romantic comedy.
“I saw a very serious Sara and she had to be that way during the shoot given the subject. The first time we actually spoke and hugged was at the screening. I hope to do a comedy or light-hearted film with her one day,” said Alexx.
‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ centres on Usha Mehta, a freedom fighter who used radio to fight against British rule. Alexx was drawn to the plot as it is ‘important for India and the world’
“This story has been under wraps for years. It is an important one for India and the world where many are battling oppression. My character is fictional and channels the ruthlessness of the British. He is a remarkable adversary to Usha. It was a privilege to be part of this film,” added Alexx.
‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ also featured Emraan Hashmi, Sachin Khedekar, and Sparsh Srivastav. The film was directed by Kannan Iyer, best known for his work on ‘Ek Thi Dayaan’. Karan Johar Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra were its producers.
‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
