Laal Kaptaan isn't copied from Jack Sparrow, says director

Saif Ali Khan's look in the upcoming film Laal Kaptaan has been in talks for having a resemblance to Jack Sparrow. However, filmmaker Navdeep Singh says its not them who copied but the west who drew inspiration from Naga Sadhus.

Mumbai: Saif Ali Khan will be playing Naga Sadhu in his upcoming release Laal Kaptaan. His look in the film has already become the talk of the town for its intensity and rawness. However, he is also facing criticism as his look reminds of popular Hollywood character Jack Sparrow played by Johnny Depp.

Saif's look in Laal Kaptaan is being compared to popular character Jack Sparrow from Hollywood film Pirates of the Carribean for the similar dreadlocks and the bandana.

Director Navdeep Singh recently addressed the comparison saying that the Western character might have been inspired by the Naga Sadhus as they were the ones who originated first.

At a recent media interaction with the team of Laal Kaptaan including the filmmaker, actors Zoya Hussain, Deepak Dobriyal and Manav Vij, the star cast was asked if Saif's character can be labelled as desi Jack Sparrow, to which they all denied saying that it's completely different.

READ | The man behind Saif's Laal Kaptaan look

Deepak said that the behaviour, philosophy, treatment, and everything is completely different from Jack Sparrow. He said that fans have just seen a glimpse of the character when they will see the film they will get to know about it.

Manav even said that since Naga Sadhus existed long back in Hindu mythology, the Hollywood film's character might have copied them rather than the makers of Laal Kaptaan.

Reinforcing Manav's statement, Navdeep said that historically as well Jack Sparrow is inspired by Naga Sadhus.

Earlier in an interview, Saif said that it breaks his heart when people compare his character to Jack Sparrow as the Naga Sadhu, the dreadlocks, bandana and his ash face, everything has seeped in Indian culture. He said that even the red-jacket comes from East India Company and hence his character is from Indian history.

Laal Kaptaan is releasing on October 18.