Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan are working together after nine years in Runway 34 (2022). They last appeared together on screen in Prakash Jha's political drama Satyagraha (2013). But besides sharing the screen with the veteran, Devgn has also directed him this time.
At a recent media interaction, when asked about his reunion with Bachchan after nine years, the actor-filmmaker replied, "We are always in touch, we keep meeting on various occasions, so it never felt like we were working after so long. The kind of actor he is and the dedication he has only inspires you to give of your best. He is very punctual and will arrive at 9am. for an 11am shift."
About directing a veteran like Bachchan, Devgn said, "Yes, he comes across as very intimidating, but he makes you very comfortable. Because I have known him since I was a kid, so I have this comfort zone with him, so it was easy for me. I never felt intimidated when I had to direct him or act beside him."
About how he came to the decision of casting Rakul Preet Singh and Bachchan in the film, Devgn said, "I'm very happy that I cast Rakul because she has gone beyond my expectations. Because I had worked with her in De De Pyaar De (2019), I knew she had the potential to pull it off. When you see the film, you will realize that she has performed really well."
About the film, he said, "It's a story of a conflict between two people and it's a performance-oriented film, so the kind of screen presence and performance I needed, I don't think I had any alternative other than Mr Bachchan. He is also a director's actor. He politely listens to you and will do exactly what you tell him to do."
Runway 34 is set to be released in theatres on 29 April.