R Balki feels it is impossible to write a story and then cast Amitabh Bachchan
One writes a story for Amitji and never the other way. It is impossible to write a story and then cast Amitabh Bachchan as he is a character by himself,” says filmmaker R Balki, who completes 13 yea in the industry today, after his debut directoria Cheeni Kum released in 20
Talking about starting his journey in films with the mature and quirky love story, the filmmaker says, “I thought of an idea for a film with Amitji since I love his sarcasm. He keeps a poker face while being sarcastic and I wanted that in a character. It was one of the few love stories without the words ‘I love you’. It was a fun film and many senior citizens told me that it gave them a lot of hope.”
Having directed films such as Paa (2009), Shamitabh (2015), Ki & Ka (2016) and Pad Man (2018), since his debut, Balki admits that unconventional subjects draw him. “There are many stories to be told but when one labours for two years on a film, it has to be different enough to last that long,” he says.
Weighing in on the debate about films releasing on OTT platforms vs in theatres, he shares that “it is more about getting the final product out to the audiences”. “There are costs involved everywhere. Everyone needs to adapt to changing times. We need to understand where everyone is coming from. If the audiences can’t come to the theatre, wha is the battle all about,” he say
Like everyone else, Balki i also busy doing home chores during the lockdown, and add that time passes quickly when you have chores at home. “You value people who have helped you all along. And though one has a lot of time, not much of writing is possible as one needs to be in the right mental space to be creative,” he says.