I like directing films that is challenging: Ajay Devgn

Actor Ajay Devgn is all set to return to his first passion, direction for the third time with Runway 34. Touted to be a high-octane thriller based on true events, the film stars Ajay Devgn stepping into the shoes of a pilot alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, Rakul Preet Singh, Aakanksha Singh and Angira Dhar in key roles.

In a recent interview, Ajay Devgn opened up about reuniting with Mr.Bachchan, casting Rakul, what intrigues him as a director and much more.

Here are excerpts from the interview.

How was the process like to direct and act simultaneously?

It involves a lot of hardwork and you have to be there. Because, you have a plan and worked everything out. On the sets, you have to set up the cameras, work on the performances, shoot your scene and go back as the director to watch it.

How was it working with Mr.Bachchan after 7 years?

We were always in touch and kept meeting so it never feels like we are working after so long. I feel very comfortable with him because I have known him since I was a kid. The kind of dedication he has it always inspires you. He tells you subhe 11 baje ayenge aur subhe 9 baje ajate hai.

Further, when asked about what’s tougher – to direct him or to be his co-star, the actor said, “I think for me it’s easy because he is very intimidating but he makes you very comfortable. So for me, he is not intimidating because we share a good rapport. I think it’s a lot more easier because he listens to you, he will do exactly what you will tell him to do.”

On casting for the film

Rakul suited the role so I decided to cast her. I am very happy that I casted her because if you see the film she has gone beyond my expectations. I have worked with her before in ‘De De Pyaar De’, I knew that she has the potential to pull it off. And if you see the film than you will know that she has done a really really good job. May be she has not got a chance to perform so far. It also depends on when you get the right role.
For Mr Bachchan, I didn’t have an alternative as it’s a conflict drama, conflict between two people and the kind of presence he has, I didn’t have any other alternative.

What made you change the title of the film from Mayday to Runway 34?

People were not understanding the title. I thought we will decide it in the promo. One day I was sitting with a senior person and he asked me is ‘Mayday’ based on Labour Day. That’s when I was surprised and decided to change it.

On taking creative liberty to enhance the film

When it is a drama, you have to take creative liberty. Though it is a real-life incident, you don’t know what the exact details are. You have to enhance the drama. Plot-wise, it is exactly how the incident happened.

Wen did you decide to direct this film?

It started two-and-a-half years ago. These writers came to me and said they had a story inspired by true events. When I heard the script, I really liked it. I asked them to make
some changes, work on the script some more and get back to me. The chapter ended there. I forgot about it. They didn’t get back to me, so I figured that they didn’t manage to do what I asked them to. Then we went into a lockdown. I was sitting at home for six months and I suddenly remembered this script. I gave them a call and asked if they had worked on it. They said: Of course we have, we’ve been waiting for you to get back to us. I asked them to come over and when I heard the script, it really fell into place. We worked on it for another three to four months after which felt that I could see the film completely and wanted to make

What compels you as a director?

First is the story and then when I make films there has to be a challenge. Like for Runway 34, after working on it for 3-4 months I could completely see it. Like in Shivaay also, shooting at the mountains was not easy, similarly shooting at the cockpit was challenging.

Spilling beans on Singham 3 Ajay Devgn quipped, “It will go on floors by the end of this year and is not based on Article 370.”