Every day was a challenge, but it was also fun: Milan Luthria
Milan Luthria and Ajay Devgn are back with their fourth film, Baadshaho. The thriller, set in 1970s during the Emergency, features an ensemble cast including Emraan Hashmi, Vidyut Jammwal, Ileana D’cruz, Esha Gupta and Sanjay Mishra. Milan talks about the film, the cast and his career. Excerpts:
Your previous film, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (OUATM; 2010), was your third project with Ajay, and now you are working together again 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 bestt in each other. We share a strong bond, but it’s not overbearing. He is a fantastic actor and that always helps a film-maker.
Besides Ajay, you are working with five other actors in this film. Was that challenging?
This film is different from anything I’ve done before. OUATM was set in the ’70s and was shot like a ’70s film. Baadshaho, though set in the same period, is shot in today’s time. Every day was a challenge, but it was also fun. Coordinating the dates of six actors is a huge task. Working with six actors is like conducting an orchestra; you need lots of rehearsals. I don’t make films mechanically. It takes time for every actor to get into the required frame of mind. My film is not about one person; I was working with six bada****. We’ve approached the movie in a Western way, and even though we flew in international specialists for the action sequences, we managed to shoot in 60 days. As long as a film manages to make you nervous and excited, I think it’s good.
This is your 18th year in the business. What do you think has held you in good stead so far?
I don’t have any ego, which settles many issues. I treat my actors with respect; not like commodities that will make me money. I also don’t play games or take sides. I’m fair and I prefer to keep it simple. Through the course of my career, I’ve been respected for my work, and that is a huge achievement. I work hard and make sure that my actors are treated with respect.
I don’t have any ego, which settles many issues. I treat my actors with respect; not like commodities that will make me money. MILAN LUTHRIA, DIRECTOR