Will Smith hopes his work spreads relief

Actor Will Smith says he looks at his projects as more than just movie-making, and wants to "relieve some suffering in somebodys life" with his work.

"At this point, what draws me to a project is about more than just making a movie. I'm trying to create something that will potentially relieve some suffering in somebody's life," Smith said in a statement.

He added: "As an artiste, you're really trying to craft a gift."

"The Pursuit of Happyness" star says he is proud of his upcoming film "Collateral Beauty".

"Collateral Beauty" - releasing across cinemas in India on Friday - stars Smith as a New York ad man who slips into a downward spiral upon the loss of his daughter. It also features Kate Winslet, Edward Norton, Keira Knightley and Helen Mirren, and is directed by David Frankel.

The actor said: "This is a film I'm particularly proud of. It's explores real emotions that are universal, with a powerful message of hope at its heart - it's everything you want a holiday movie to be."

He also said that playing someone who has cut himself off from everyone around him was a "fun challenge".

--IANS

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