Director Goldie Behl talks about the whys, whos and hows of his second film Drona, which is playing at a theatre near you...

What inspired you to make Drona?

It’s the children in my family who gave me the inspiration. I’m a father myself; and we are currently interacting with our next generation which takes us back to our childhood.

Was Abhishek always the first choice for Drona?

Absolutely. For me, the character, the story and Abhishek Bachchan are all integrated. I think of a plot with Abhishek in mind. I like his kind of actor, his kind of face. And I bond very well with him.

How difficult was it to zero down on a script like Drona after Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai?

Drona came very naturally to me because the scripts I read after Bas Itna… didn’t excite me. Finally, I thought of making a film for kids.

Abhishek played the lead in your first and, now, second film too. What changes have you noticed in him?

As a person, he is the same fella. But as an actor, there is tremendous maturity. I should know because I worked with him even before his first film had released. He has done about 30 odd films by now, he is not at all conscious about the camera any more. He’s a seasoned actor now and it helps to have an experienced lead in the film.

Is it easier or more difficult to work with a hero who is also a friend?

I’m for working with friends, because they understand you emotionally and they try to provide that little bit extra to the film because they have an emotional attachment to the project.

But how do you deal with differences of opinion, which I am sure must be arising even between friends?

We respect each other as professionals and as individuals too. Abhishek and I agree to disagree; and that’s the magic of our long and true friendship.

Jaya Bachchan is playing Abhishek Bachchan’s mom for the first time in a Hindi film. Was it easy to convince her to do the role?

I met her over dinner and I told her that Abhishek and I were making a movie and that I want her to play Abhishek’s mom. She immediately said yes. I asked her, ‘Don’t you want a narration for the role?’ She said: “You are my son and it is your responsibility to give me a good role.” I thank her for the trust and belief in me; she is extraordinary in Drona.

What made you cast a woman (Priyanka Chopra) as a bodyguard to Drona?

Abhishek’s family legacy is to save the amrit that is left on the earth. Priyanka’s family legacy is to be the bodyguard of Drona. A female guard is a very coming-of-age concept. And why not? We believe in women empowerment (can’t stop laughing).

How have you conceptualized Riz Raizada, the character essayed by Kay Kay Menon?

We have shown him as a very powerful person, a baddie who has a lot of power. And the bigger and more negative the force, the tougher it is to overcome him. It is very engaging to see a fight between two people — one very powerful and one not so powerful.

Is Drona packed with visual special effects?

Yes, there are about 1500 special effects in the film. We have packed so much that we are confused about what to retain.

Your wife Sonali Bendre said that you read a lot of comic books and that’s how you got the idea of Drona...

That is true, I read a lot of comic books, a lot of graphic novels, a lot of cartoons. I think there is a kid in me. Even a filmmaker of Raj Kapoor’s stature was inspired by comics. Bobby is inspired from Archies comics.

Sonali also said you suffered from dyslexia...

I try to follow picture images. I do have a problem but I have learnt to cope with it.

You have been married to Sonali for years now. What has changed, if at all?

Nothing. I feel I am still dating her, we are just having a live-in relationship.

What are your expectations from Drona?

It is a larger than life film and I’m expecting a larger than life response to it.

What next after Drona?

More adventure sagas and more of Drona.