Irrfan just dives into the character, says 'Inferno' director Ron Howard

Irrfan Khan, Ron Howard and Tom Hanks

Irrfan Khan, Ron Howard and Tom Hanks

With Tom (Hanks), there is a comfort factor since we have collaborated earlier, but working with Irrfan (Khan) as singularly unique," says director Ron Howard, who's gearing up for the release of his clue-solving, globe-trotting adventure, 'Inferno', based on Dan Brown's bestseller. The film is the sequel to cinematic adaptations of Brown's The 'Da Vinci Code' (2006) and 'Angels & Demons' (2009), both of which were helmed by him.

"I am not contractually obligated to keep making any of the Dan Brown and Robert Langdon (the protagonist) stuff. They just happened, but at the same time, they are not the same formula as so many thrillers that we see. They combine a set of ideas and offer interesting sets of characters like Irrfan's. He brings his own style; it's understated, but he's saying a lot. He just dives into the character," explains Howard.

Working with Irrfan was an eye-opener, the veteran filmmaker points out. The two bonded over films that are driven more by passion than economics. Irrfan also gave him an insight into Bollywood - the world of song, dance and melodrama. Says Howard, "He familiarised me to the cinema he belongs to, the real and unreal, past and present, unlike Inferno, which is all about the present. The other thing is, it's a great role for my friend, Tom."

To this, Irrfan quickly responds, saying, "That's why I say this film is by Tom Rondan - that's Tom, Ron and Dan for you (laughs)." What attracted Irrfan to the film was the Ron-Tom team. "I have been a fan of these two. Irrespective of the role Ron offered me, I would have been glad to be part of his film. In the past too, I have done films just because of the director. But, I am lucky to get a good part in Inferno. It's a challenging book, which has a volatile problem in its belly. I hope it's one of the best films in the trilogy," says the actor.

Irrfan feels fortunate that Hollywood is slowly but surely opening up to Indian talent. "Filmmakers like Ron are looking for talent all over the world. But, now, it's India's turn," he adds.