Asif Ali says his kids dislike his recent films; ask why he skipped ‘Lokah’: ‘Young generation’s tastes are different’

Malayalam actor Asif Ali has recently revealed that his children have not been impressed with any of his recent films released between 2024 and 2025. Speaking at a press conference in Dubai while promoting his upcoming thriller 'Mirage', the actor shared that his kids even questioned him about not being part of the blockbuster 'Lokah'.The actor said that his kids did not like his recent films and asked, 'Daddy why didn't you choose 'Lokah'?'. " Asif Ali added that the tastes of the younger generation are vastly different today.'Kooman', directed by Jeethu Joseph, marked a pivotal moment in Asif Ali's career. Asif recalled how filmmaker Jeethu Joseph offered him Kooman during a phase when his films weren’t working.Asif said, “No filmmaker can guarantee hits every time. It was a dry spell for me when Jeethu called for Kooman." He further said that 'Kooman' became a gear shift in his career.For the unversed, Asif Ali made a grand comeback recently, after a series of underwhelming movies. Asif Ali had hattrick success with 'Kooman', 'Rekhachithram', and 'Kishkindha Kaandam'. Although 'Level Cross' and 'Sarkeet' were no box office success films, Asif Ali received much praise for his script selection.Opening up on their next collaboration, 'Mirage', Asif says, "After three years, I am once again working with him, and naturally expectations are high,” he said. The actor also noted how audience habits have shifted, explaining that people who spend hours on Instagram and YouTube often find it difficult to sit through long-paced films in theatres. Many such films, he said, gain a new life on OTT platforms.In an interview with Baradwaj Rangan, director Jeethu Joseph revealed why 'Mirage' was ultimately made in Malayalam instead of Hindi. “I couldn’t think of any Bollywood male star who would be willing to take up a role like this in a film built around a woman’s perspective,” Jeethu said. He explained that he was confident Asif would accept the challenge because of his willingness to experiment. “I knew Asif would take it up, and he agreed at once,” he added.