Raksha Bandhan director Aanand L Rai talks about why he is making films about small town stories

Aanand L Rai, who has impressed movie fans from around the country with movies such as Tanu Weds Manu and Tanu Weds Manu: Returns, has now opened up about why his recent movies have been set in small town.

The filmmaker answered that he wants to bring stories from the heartlands of the country to the big screens.

"I have always wanted to make India's heartland a big part of our cinematic landscape and I'm happy to see that it finally is! I am grateful for all the love that has been showered upon my films so far. It has indeed been a journey full of learnings, lessons and love," said Aanand L Rai, as reported by Pinkvilla.

Rai also explained that he is excited for what the future holds with small town stories becoming popular with the viewers and that he hopes to continue giving the people films that will make them show multiple emotions.

Rai, who made his directorial debut in 2007 with Strangers, has also directed other projects such as Raanjhanaa, Zero, and Atrangi Re. The director is currently awaiting the release of Raksha Bandhan with Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead. The movie’s makers released its trailer recently, and have received positive response.

The movie is set in a small town where a loving brother works to get his four sisters married. The movie hints at being a family drama that has a lot of scope for emotions.

Zee Studios, Colour Yellow Productions and Cape of Good Films, the movie also features Sahejmeen Kaur, Deepika Khanna, Sadia Khateeb and Smrithi Srikanth. The family comedy drama is set to hit theatres around the country on August 11.