‘Every day was a challenge, but it was fun’

Milan Luthria and Ajay Devgn are back with their fourth film, Baadshaho. The thriller, set in 1970s during the Emergency, features an ensemble cast that includes Ajay, Emraan Hashmi, Vidyut Jammwal, Ileana D’cruz, Esha Gupta and Sanjay Mishra. Excerpts from an interview with Milan:

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (OUATM; 2010) was your third project with Ajay. Now, you are working together in Baadshaho. How has your relationship with him evolved?

Great relationships don’t evolve. It’s been so many years, but things haven’t really changed. Ajay and I may not speak for a year, but when we do catch up, we resume from where we left off. We’ve brought out the best in each other. We share a strong bond, but it’s not overbearing. He is a fantastic actor and that helps a filmmaker.

This film also has five other actors. Was it challenging to work with an ensemble cast?

This film is different from anything I’ve done before. Baadshaho, though set in the ’70s, is shot in today’s time. Every day was a challenge, but it was fun. Getting six actors’ dates together is a task. Working with six actors is like conducting an orchestra. I don’t make films mechanically. It takes time for every actor to get into that frame of mind. I was working with six bada **** . We’ve approached the movie in a Western way, and although we flew in international specialists for the action sequences, we finished in 60 days.

This is your 18th year in the business. What has held you in good stead?

I don’t have any ego, which settles many issues. I treat my actors with respect; not like commodities. I don’t play games or take sides. I’m fair and I keep it simple. I’ve been respected for my work, and that is an achievement. I work hard and make sure my actors are treated with respect. ■