Runway 34: Ajay Devgn reveals why he wanted to direct the aviation thriller, also starring Amitabh Bachchan

Runway 34 is counting down the days until it hits the big screen. The upcoming film marks Devgn’s third stint in the director’s chair. In a recent interview, he opened up about why he chose to direct the film.

In a conversation with Film Companion, Devgn talked about how he ‘really took the time’ to choose the projects he wanted to direct. He had been approached with the script for Runway 34 almost three years back, and the script based on real life events had ‘intrigued’ Devgn. However, he asked the writers to incorporate some changes in the script and get back to him. However, they never did and soon Devgn forgot about it.

When lockdown was imposed Devgn suddenly remembered the script and had called the writers back. To his surprise, they replied that they had made the changes and were waiting for a response from Devgn. After reading the new script Devgn said that things ‘really fell into place’ and they had started to work on the script together.

“I got so involved in the script that I wanted to make it. I started seeing the film, every aspect of the film and the way that the film would go. And once you start seeing that, then you want to make it,” he said.

Devgn made his directorial debut with the 2008 film U Me Aur Hum and has also directed Shivaay (2016). He was recently seen in the Disney+ Hotstar series Rudra, an official adaptation of Luther.

In his upcoming third directorial venture, Devgn also serves as a producer and the lead star. Runway 34 also features Amitabh Bachchan, Rakul Preet Singh, Aakanksha Singh, Boman Irani, and YouTube personality Carry Minati.

Inspired by true events, the film follows the story of Captain Vikrant Khanna, an airline pilot who is faced with a tumultuous situation while piloting a passenger aircraft. The film was initially titled Mayday.

Runway 34 will be released in theatres on April 29.