'Hindi cinema's return to small town is welcome trend': Amitabh Bachchan

Hindi cinema's return to small town is a "very welcome" trend stemming from desire of many filmmakers to revisit places y grew up in, says Amitabh Bachchan whose latest film Gulabo Sitabo is set in Luckw. Gulabo Sitabo, which released on Amazon Prime on Friday and is first big film to premiere on an OTT platform, is directed by Bachchan's frequent collaborator Shoojit Sircar. 

It revolves around Bachchan's character Mirza and his cat and mouse game with his crafty tenant Banke (Ayushmann Khurrana). Asked about Hindi cinema's return to small-town stories in recent years, Bachchan told PTI,  Yes, this is a very welcome trend! Most of us living in urban areas and working out from re have come from that small town you talk of, or have some connection. makers feel that y wish to relive those moments and so stories possess those ingredients.

He ded that modern, lavish and urban elite set-ups are often seen on International TV shows and are easily available. So reliving early years and growing up years in that small town brings back memories to many, makers and cine-goers, actor said in an email interview.

77-year-old, one of India's most enduring stars who continues to be in demand even w, said he is t someone who questions his directors on roles he is offered and that's why he did t question Sircar on his role of Mirza in Gulabo Sitabo.

two have worked toger in four films -- unreleased Shoebite, Piku and Pink, which director produced, and w "Gulabo Sitabo".

For a good part of almost 20 years, I have played leing man, hero, getting girl in end and riding off into sunset in my films and Salim Javed, Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra, et al were never questioned, Bachchan said, citing example of his past collaborations with directors and writers in 70s and 80s. I never questioned those stalwarts n, I shall t question Shoojit w. He may be asked to dress this issue .. I take whatever he gives or constructs for me.I don't return',I await my turn' to be called by him, he told PTI.

Shooting in Luckw, Bachchan said, was a pleasant experience with authorities as well as people cooperating in shooting process.

Luckw was a delight to work in. A well understanding public... never bored shoot, authorities cooperating with great ease and just locale City of Nawabs, its own history and culture so endearing. Never h any problem at all and while we were re, at least 3 or film shoots with very prominent artists was also in progress! he ded.

Bachchan is t new to physical transformations he played a teen suffering from aging disease progeria in Paa and a 102-year-old in 102 t Out. For Gulabo Sitabo, he spent four to five hours in makeup chair. It was arduous, time-consuming, 4-5 hours each day. summer heat of May, all ded up to process. But end results, through expert hands of most qualified makeup artists, was exemplary.