Box Office India was among the lucky few who were on location at Imtiaz Ali’s next, Highway. It is not the easiest thing to understand Ali’s vision but visiting those virgin locations helps. Ali, who is known for his romantic films, is back with a different kind of romance – romance on the highway.
Highway is a special film for Ali, not only because it was his first script but also because with Highway, he has launched his production house Window Seat Films. To make the event special, the host for the show was Ali’s daughter Ida Ali, who introduced the cast and crew of Highway along with music composer A R Rahman, presenter Sajid Nadiadwala and T Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar. Here’s what happened at the do:
Alia Bhatt on Highway
This film is very special to me. It was not only a film but an experience. It’s like having a videotape of myself. Also, I have never been to the places which Imtiaz sir was shooting.
Randeep Hooda on Highway
I think the film will speak for me and my character.
Imtiaz Ali on why he produced this film
I had this script for a very long time but was not sure of making it into a film. So when I decided to shoot the film, I also wanted to produce it as I wanted to do it all by myself. So I went to Sajid sir, told him about this project and the basic idea was woh risk lenge main film banaunga. I am not sure whether after this film, I would want to produce more. But I am sure I wanted to produce this one.
Ali on casting
I wanted a fresh pair for the film. Randeep Hooda is a very good actor and not many have experimented with him. So I took the chance and he is brilliant. I saw Student Of The Year and I knew I wanted to cast Alia.
Sajid Nadiadwala on why he is the presenter
This is the first time I am presenting a film because I was greedy to associate with Imtiaz and Rahman. I forced Imtiaz to allow me present it. But, frankly, after watching the film, it feels as if Imtiaz is presenting it to me!
AR Rahman on the film
Imtiaz is very special to me, and when he asked me if I would have the time to do this film, I told him I would find the time. To create the music, both of us travelled down freaky roads and lonely destinations.
Bhushan Kumar on the film
It’s always a pleasure to work with Rahman sir and Imtiaz as both of them create some great music. This film has seven to eight songs and they are all wonderful.
