Why Shoojit Sircar chose Abhishek for 'I Want To Talk'
What's the story
Acclaimed director Shoojit Sircar's new film, I Want To Talk, will be released on Friday.
Originally conceived with late actor Irrfan in mind, it now stars Abhishek Bachchan.
Speaking to News18, Sircar recently spoke about his decision to cast Bachchan and the actor's similarities with his mother-veteran actor Jaya Bachchan.
The film also stars Banita Sandhu and Johny Lever.
Actor's dedication
Sircar praised Bachchan's performance in the upcoming movie
Despite Irrfan being his first choice, Sircar was candid about this with Bachchan.
He revealed, "I, in fact, told Abhishek that you're actually playing a character that was supposed to be played by Irrfan."
"He didn't take it as pressure. He told me that he would give it his all and he did," the Piku director added.
Filmmaker's observation
Sircar drew parallels between Bachchan and his mother
Comparing Abhishek and Jaya, Sircar said, "When he's quiet, his eyes speak like Jaya di's and you'll understand it if you see her in Dhanyee Meye, Guddi, and Koshish."
"When we started shooting and I looked at the camera, I thought Abhishek has a lot of things about her in him. In the same way, when you go back and watch Jaya di's films, you'll find Abhishek."
Director's insight
Sircar discovered a new side of Bachchan during filming
The process of filming helped Sircar discover a side of Bachchan he had never seen before.
He said, "After meeting him, we started doing a lot of prep work and rehearsals together. And through that process, I started getting to know Abhishek, the person."
"I tried probing him. I used to ask him questions and he would react and over time, I got to see the softer side of him. He's very vulnerable and charming."
Film's inspiration
The film is inspired by a real-life survival story
Interestingly, I Want To Talk is based on the true story of Sircar's friend Arjun Sen, who bravely fought multi-organ cancer.
"Sometimes, you talk to a person every day but don't realize that their story can also be interesting."
"Sometimes, ordinary people can also make a very good film. I saw humor in his survival story," Sircar revealed.
"So, I look at I Want To Talk as a funny film. That's the core essence of this film."