Filmmaker Milan luthria, who has made commercially successful films like The Dirty Picture andOnce Upon a Time in Mumbaai, feels that the concept of drama has been diluted from the narrative used in Bollywood over time. “The three basic elements of drama – heroes’ machoism, heroines’ elegance and the terror of the villains have been diluted...International cinema is also going towards period drama which is larger than life and appeals to me personally,” he said.
luthria’s earlier films were set in the background of the 1970-1980s and now his forthcoming directorial venture Baadshaho is also set in the same era – against the backdrop of the Emergency. However, he makes it clear that he doesn’t have a fixation with the period; rather it is sheer coincidence. “I never work keeping a specific period in mind, the storyline evolves and a certain period starts make significance in the script,” shared luthria. Also, the “audience doesn't look at the period that the film is set in, but it’s the story that captivates them.”
Baadshaho narrates a fictional story of six people who try to bring a change in their destiny by pulling of a heist.
The film marks the fourth collaboration of luthria with Ajay Devgn. The star said that their bond has become stronger – both personal and professional over the time. “We have been friends for more than18 years when Milan was an assistant director, working with Bhatt sahab. Now, we don’t have to discuss much about our requirements as we know what each one has in mind. We have reached that comfort zone and Milan knows how will I perform,” said Ajay.
luthria also praised Emraan Hashmi for his dedication. “Emraan is a mix of instinct and deep thinking. He doesn’t show it to others but I know that he puts in a lot of effort to prepare for the role and I can say with confidence that character in the film will the most entertaining in his career,” said the director.