'Huge Problems 1' star opens up about Latif

The comedic force behind fan-favorite character Latif in 'Huge Problems 1' shares behind-the-scenes insights into crafting the memorable role.

In an interview with the local media, Mohammad-Javad Ezzati, who played Latif, talked about the series. Below is the translated interview, originally conducted in Persian.

Interviewer: You’ve taken on a variety of roles, from serious drama to comedy. What’s your approach to choosing such diverse characters?

Ezzati: I started doing theater in 1995 and spent about seven or eight years solely focused on stage acting. Now, my priority is always a good project in which I can showcase my acting and feel good about my performance. Sometimes, you see talented actors who end up being overlooked because they've been in bad projects. So, I try to be part of good productions. I want to take on roles that many people enjoy. Our audience is intelligent, and there is no guarantee a fantasy or tear-jerking film will work in all cases. I try to perform in a way they appreciate this fact.

Interviewer: Does the audience's reaction really influence your decisions about which roles to take?

Ezzati: Absolutely, because the audience is central to any type of art. Art is meaningless without an audience. If you can’t connect with your audience, it's like the art never happened. Even the simplest things in life, like cooking or decorating your home, can be considered art if someone else appreciates it. It's the same with acting.

Interviewer: You’ve worked with a diverse range of directors. How did you manage to work with such different people?

Ezzati: I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with different directors. It’s not always easy for an actor in Iran to do that. Sometimes, once you work with one director, others might be less likely to offer you a role. I guess I’ve been lucky or maybe even a bit clever! (laughs) It’s great to work with different directors because you learn so much from each one. Otherwise, things get repetitive, and there’s no room for innovation.

Interviewer: To what extent do you develop your roles on your own? Were there any characteristics of Latif in the screenplay of 'Huge Problems 1' that you found unrelatable?

Ezzati: I believe that an actor should always support the story told by the director. Just like the director who follows what's written by the screenwriter, I try to ensure that my performance aligns with the overall narrative. Sometimes, this might mean I get less screen time, but I’m more satisfied knowing I’ve contributed to a good project.

Interviewer: But it’s clear that your performance in 'Huge Problems 1' was a major highlight, and you captured a wide audience.

Ezzati: Thank you. That’s very kind of you and the audience. However, even in 'Huge Problems 1', I didn't want to play a character that people would simply follow because they found that funny. I wanted them to follow the story and care about Latif. I think that’s what new audiences prefer—a well-crafted story, not just a series of funny moments.

Interviewer: The catchphrases your character used in the first season of the series have changed a bit in the second. How do you come up with these catchphrases?

Ezzati: I would never plan my catchphrases beforehand. I think the best catchphrases happen naturally. The actor just says a catchphrase as the filming stage progresses. For example, the first time I said "Oh, no!" in 'Huge Problems 1', it was a spontaneous reaction to a scene where I was trying to lift Farhan (played by Mr. Hashemi), but his head kept popping out from under the blanket. I was scared but shy because Latif is a reserved character. So, I just blurted out, "Oh, no!" and that caught on with the audience.