Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, while commenting on the rising popularity of south Indian films across the country, said the reason behind the success of non-Hindi movies is the pan-India promotional strategy adopted by the makers. The actor-director, who recently featured in a pivotal role in the pan India blockbuster RRR, said south Indian filmmakers plan the script of their films in a way that it reaches audiences across language barriers. “It’s not that films from here (north) are not going there (to the south). In my opinion, nobody has attempted to release a film from the north down south on a big scale,” he said.

“If someone will try in future, it will definitely happen because their films are good and are doing well here. Our films too are working. If they have to release the films in the north, they take actors from the north also and they plan the script accordingly so that it works pan India,” Devgn told news agency PTI.

The 53-year-old actor was speaking at the second trailer launch of his upcoming directorial Runway 34.He made his directorial debut in 2008 with U Me Aur Hum and followed it up with the 2016 film Shivaay. Asked to choose between acting and direction, Ajay Devgn said he loves them both. The actor-filmmaker, who has also produced the movie via his Ajay Devgn Ffilms, said he is not scared of hard work.

“I love my work. I’m not afraid of it. You’re working on the script as a director, so as an actor you keep getting prepared. Once you’re working on the script, you know exactly the way you want your other actors to be. It gets very clear once you start imagining and visualising the film,” he said.

While commenting on why the title of the film was changed from Mayday, he said, “When there’s an emergency, you give the call of Mayday. But, I think, not many people were able to understand that title. The whole story of the film revolves around a runway called Runway 34. Why the pilot landed the plane on that runway, something which was an impossible task and should not have happened, that is the story,” he said.

“A well-read person had, in fact, asked me the meaning of Mayday. He asked me if the film was based on Labour Day, so I got a bit scared,” he quipped.

Runway 34 also features megastar Amitabh Bachchan. While Devgn and Bachchan have previously worked together in movies like Major Saab, Hindustan Ki Kasam, and Satyagraha, this is the first time he has directed the 79-year-old cinema icon.

Devgn said directing Bachchan was an inspiring experience. “He doesn’t let anyone around him feel nervous. He is a big source of inspiration for us, the way he works. No one can have his level of hard work and dedication. When he works with you, he inspires you to direct. I know him since my childhood. We share a good rapport. So, there was no nervousness,” he added. 

Runway 34 also stars Boman Irani, Angira Dhar, Aakanksha Singh, and social media influencer Carry Minati.

(Featured Image Credits: Instagram)