For me '24' is bigger than any of my films: Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor is back as Jai Singh Rathod with the second season of “24” and the actor says for him the TV show is more important than films.

The 59-year-old “Dil Dhadakne Do” star, who also serves as the producer on the Indian adaptation of popular American series of the same name, said he respects the reach of television as a medium.

“I have not considered television a smaller medium than films. For me it is even bigger. For me TV and “24” are bigger than any of my films. The reach television has is the reason why I made a shift to this medium,” Anil said at a promotional event here.

In 2011, the actor bought the official rights of the series, starring Kiefer Sutherland, from the makers and the first season was aired in 2013.

Anil, who plays the lead in the show, said the team had a tough time while making the second season as they wanted it to look as good as a movie in a relatively smaller budget.

"24'' second season was a tough journey. The action this time is completely different from the first season. I used to rehearse for three to five days for action sequences.

“I used to rehearse because I wanted it too look perfect.  We can’t spend the same amount of money we do while making films, but we wanted to look it equally impressive. The show is nothing less than a film. I feel this season was more difficult than the first one,” he said.

The Indian adaptation is directed by Rensil D’Silva and Abhinay Deo. Apart from Anil in the lead, the second season also stars Sakshi Tanwar in the role of ATS chief.

Sikander Kher will be seen as the main antagonist while Neil Bhoopalam returns. Veteran actor Nana Patekar has lent his voice to the opening sequence of the show to connect it with the season one. “24” season two will air on Colors channel from July 23.