Jaideep Ahlawat, known for his versatile performances in projects like "Paatal Lok" and "Gangs of Wasseypur," is currently garnering attention for his role in Netflix's "Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins." The heist thriller, which premiered on April 25, 2025, also stars Saif Ali Khan, Nikita Dutta, and Kunal Kapoor.

In recent interviews, Ahlawat has expressed his views on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, particularly the rise of OTT platforms. When asked about the changes he's observed in the industry, Ahlawat noted a significant shift towards quality content. He believes that the "percentage of good cinema has increased now," attributing this change to the emergence and growing influence of streaming services like Netflix.

Ahlawat elaborated on how these platforms have empowered filmmakers to explore diverse narratives and create content that caters to a wider audience. He emphasized that the focus has shifted from formulaic storytelling to more nuanced and engaging plots, allowing actors to experiment with their roles and push creative boundaries.

Reflecting on his experience working on "Jewel Thief," Ahlawat praised the collaborative environment fostered by the directors, Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, and the producers, Siddharth and Mamta Anand. He mentioned that the entire cast was deeply invested in their craft, which allowed them to support each other and elevate the overall narrative. Ahlawat plays Rajan Aulakh, who hires Saif Ali Khan's character, Rehan, to steal a precious diamond called the Red Sun.

The actor also expressed his excitement about exploring new facets of his acting skills. In "Jewel Thief," he surprised audiences with a dance sequence in the song "Jaadu," a departure from his typically intense and serious roles. He admitted that he initially found the dance sequence challenging but ultimately enjoyed the experience, thanking his co-stars for their support.

In an interview with The Hindu, Ahlawat shared an anecdote about the overwhelming response to his dance moves. He mentioned that his phone malfunctioned on the day the song was released, and by the time he got it back, he had received close to 1,000 messages on Instagram. He also humorously recounted instances where fans recognized him from his various roles, including one who wanted to verify if he had "scary pupil-less eyes" like his character in "Commando: A One Man Army."

Saif Ali Khan, his co-star in "Jewel Thief," also spoke about his experience working with Ahlawat. He mentioned being surprised by Ahlawat's physical transformation, noting that he looked "lean, mean, and badass," resembling a young Sanjay Dutt. Khan also shared that he was initially nervous on the first day of shooting, but Ahlawat's presence and the collaborative atmosphere helped him ease into the role.

Kunal Kapoor, who plays a no-nonsense cop in "Jewel Thief," described Ahlawat as "deeply grounded" and praised his ability to bring truth and quiet intensity to his characters. Kapoor also noted the collaborative and focused vibe on the sets, where everyone was passionate about the story they were telling.

Despite the positive experiences shared by the cast, "Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins" has received mixed reviews from critics. Some have praised the performances of the lead actors, while others have criticized the film's writing and predictable plot. However, Ahlawat's portrayal of Rajan Aulakh has been generally well-received, with many appreciating his ability to bring depth and nuance to the character.

In conclusion, Jaideep Ahlawat's recent remarks highlight the positive impact of OTT platforms on the Indian film industry, fostering a shift towards higher-quality content and providing actors with more opportunities to showcase their talent. While "Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins" may have garnered mixed reactions, Ahlawat's performance and his insights into the changing landscape of cinema are definitely noteworthy.