India, July 7 -- The new action-comedy Heads of State now streaming on Prime Video brings together actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Idris Elba and John Cena in a globe-trotting adventure packed with adrenaline and sly humour. In London, UK, we caught up with director Ilya Naishuller to talk about the experience of directing this powerhouse ensemble, why comedy is harder than action, and the surprising message tucked beneath the spectacle. Ilya Naishuller: All three were incredibly receptive to direction - true director's actors. Each brought a collaborative spirit and was fully committed to serving the film. It's hard to choose one over the others. In terms of fun, Priyanka was wonderful-she'd finish her shot and then sit with the crew to chat. John, on the other hand, would improvise hilarious lines for ten minutes straight if you didn't say "cut"-we couldn't always use them, but they kept the atmosphere lively. There wasn't a single weak link among them. What stood out was the mutual respect and the way they supported and elevated each other throughout the shoot. Comedy, definitely. A punch is a punch - you know what it looks like and how to choreograph it. But comedy is subjective, and making people laugh across cultures is tough. Since this is a global film, striking the right balance was crucial. Interestingly, for the first time in my career, I had to cut good jokes - not because they weren't funny, but to keep the pacing tight. Choosing which one-liner to keep was a new kind of creative challenge for me. Thank you. Yes, the humour was definitely a major focus. Comedy, much like horror, relies on timing and surprise. But great comedy, like great horror, takes more than that. We worked hard to ensure the humour supported the story and didn't feel forced. I've heard musicals are the hardest genre to direct, maybe that's next. That idea was part of the film's DNA, but the execution evolved. The main goal was always to deliver an entertaining film. But I did want to include a message that resonates globally. The character played by John Cena is optimistic and hopeful, while Idris's character is more hardened and serious - but both care deeply about their people. In my mind, the ideal leader would be a blend of both - someone hopeful and driven, but also grounded and responsible. That dynamic works well in the film and mirrors what we need more of in the real world: empathy, cooperation, and an openness to learning from those we don't always agree with. Just one word - fun. It's an hour and 45 minutes of pure entertainment. It'll make you laugh, thrill you with action, and help you forget everything else for a while....