Home » Telugu » Kalki 2898 Ad Director Nag Ashwin Calls Amitabh Unassuming And Down To Earth

‘Kalki 2898 AD’ director Nag Ashwin calls Big B ‘unassuming and down-to-earth’

Nag Ashwin recalled the intimidating first day of the shoot with Big B but quickly noted how Amitabh Bachchan eased all his apprehensions.

BySouth First Desk

Published Jul 09, 2024 | 6:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2024 | 6:25 PM

A still of Nag Ashwin; Amitabh Bachchan in 'Kalki 2898 AD'. (X)

Though Vyjayanthi Movies promoted Kalki 2898 AD as Prabhas’s film, Amitabh Bachchan has stolen the limelight, earning rave reviews for his performance as Aswatthama.

His fight scenes with Prabhas are a major highlight. Director Nag Ashwin shared in an interview that the Bollywood star showed a childlike curiosity about the film’s VFX.

“Bachchan sir was very curious about how we’d make him appear 8 feet tall. Despite being a huge star and dealing with typical on-set delays, he was incredibly patient and non-intrusive. He would sit quietly through the extensive prosthetics, wig, and beard without any complaints,” the filmmaker said.

Big B left Nag Ashwin stunned when he asked for permission to use the restroom on the set of Kalki 2898 AD.

Recalling those moments, the filmmaker, added, “The first time I was completely taken aback was during the first schedule. We were delayed, trying to catch up, and he approached me. I was about to explain the delay when he casually asked, ‘Can I use the restroom and come?’ I responded, ‘Sir, you can do whatever you want.’ That’s just how unassuming and down-to-earth he is.”

Nag Ashwin recalled the intimidating first day of the shoot with Big B but quickly noted how Amitabh Bachchan eased all his apprehensions.

T 5063 – KALKI 2898 AD is not just a film for me , it is a learning, an education .. soon to be seen on a podcast .. when I interviewed the Director Nag Ashvin ..
‘कल्कि’ मेरे लिये न केवल एक फ़िल्म है, बल्कि एक सीख – अनुभव के द्वारा प्राप्त किया ज्ञान – एक ज्ञान का भंडार है… pic.twitter.com/ByJOGO8X6M

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 6, 2024

“I was figuring out how to collaborate with him—what boundaries there were, how to request more takes, how to direct him. His experience and superstar status made it daunting, but he made everything easy and comfortable.”

Nag Ashwin’s only concern while working with Amitabh Bachchan was requesting a retake, especially in cases of technical glitches. “I was always hesitant to ask for another take due to technical issues like focus or lighting. It was frustrating at times, but Bachchan sir was supportive and generous about it.”

The director also mentioned that Amitabh Bachchan would entertain his crew with stories from his early career days.

The Podcast with ASHWATTHAMA ✨

Legendary @SrBachchan in conversation with Director @nagashwin7 about #Kalki2898AD.
– https://t.co/RG3vfxZ9Xv

Full interview out soon!#EpicBlockbusterKalki pic.twitter.com/TnvoTvzH2q

— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) July 9, 2024

“In between long takes, he would share stories about how action scenes were filmed in the past—crashing through the glass, riding horses into pits, and the risks involved like broken bones. While we were cautious with our stunts, made safer by stuntmen and VFX, he reassured us, ‘We’ve faced much worse, so don’t worry’,” Nag Ashwin added.

Kalki 2898 AD, which was released on 27 June, is performing exceptionally well in theatres, maintaining its strong momentum and nearing the milestone of reaching ₹1,000 crore in global collections.

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)

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