Runway 34: Ajay Devgn says playing a pilot was a ‘huge responsibility’

Ajay Devgn’s third directorial venture, Runway 34 is inching closer to its release. Devgn essays the role of a pilot in the film, the premise of which is inspired by true events. The Singham actor recently opened up about the ‘huge responsibility’ he felt in essaying the role of a pilot on screen for the first time.

In a conversation with IANS, Devgn talked about how he has always been drawn to playing characters in uniform, citing his police officer characters in Gangaajal and Singham. But different to the khaki, Devgn felt that a pilot’s uniform has more of a ‘glamour’ element to it. But the actor it isn’t all about it, he was well aware of the ‘huge responsibility’ that came with essaying such a role. “A pilot is actually a demi-God for the passengers who repose blind faith in him/her while they fly. I was fully aware of what this uniform brings with it,” he said. He added that neither him nor his co-star Rakul Preet Singh, who plays his co-pilot in the film, ‘took the uniform lightly’.

The actor also talked about the training they received to prepare for their roles. Revealing that they were trained for several days by a real pilot, the actor talked about how they had to familiarise themselves with an actual cockpit and control panels as well. As the film was based on true events, they wanted to ensure their portrayals were authentic. The actors also got lessons from the ATC (air traffic control).

In addition to Devgn and Singh, the upcoming film also features Amitabh Bachchan, Aakanksha Singh, Boman Irani, and Youtube personality Carry Minati, in pivotal roles. The film is produced under the banners of Ajay Devgn Films and Panorama Studios.

Runway 34 will be released in theatres on April 29, 2022.