Sonam Kapoor and Jim Sarbh weren’t allowed to speak On ‘Neerja’ set, here's why!

Sonam Kapoor’s ‘Neerja’ left a lasting mark on audiences and critics alike for its gripping storytelling and powerful performances. But what went on behind the scenes is just as intense as the film itself.

In a recent interview with Mashable India, actor Jim Sarbh, who played the role of a menacing terrorist in the film, opened up about a strict directive that director Ram Madhvani implemented during the shoot, one that completely changed the dynamics on set.

No Conversation Between Hijackers and Crew
Jim Sarbh revealed that he and Sonam Kapoor were not allowed to talk to each other during the shoot. The reason? Director Ram Madhvani wanted to preserve the raw tension and psychological realism of the hijacking scenario. “Only the hijackers could talk amongst themselves. Only the cabin crew could talk amongst themselves,” Jim shared. “It really was an intense shoot,” he added, emphasizing how such methods helped maintain authenticity in performances.

Method Acting at Its Core
Jim also lauded Ram Madhvani’s bold choices as a director. He praised the immersive process, sharing how everyone on set was encouraged to embody their roles entirely. From not speaking to each other off-camera to maintaining strict behavioral lines, the cast followed a method acting approach throughout the film. Jim expressed a desire to work in similar environments again, describing the shoot as challenging but artistically fulfilling.

Viral Poster Shocked Jim
In a lighter moment, Jim recalled his surprise at seeing the film’s now-iconic poster, which shows a terrorist pointing a gun at Sonam’s head. “I didn’t even know it was my hand!” he laughed. That image, instantly viral upon release, came to symbolize the terror and tension that Neerja so effectively portrayed on screen.
For the unversed, ‘Neerja’ is a biographical thriller based on the courageous real-life story of Indian flight purser Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life while protecting passengers and crew during a hijacking incident.