Milan Luthria On His Nana Patekar, John Abraham-starrer ‘Taxi No. 9211’ Turning 20: ‘I Locked Both Actors On The Same Day’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Nana Patekar-John Abraham starrer “Taxi No. 9211,” released in 2006, had a moderately successful run at the box-office, but picked up a cult following in the years that followed. The comedy-thriller recently turned 20 on February 24.  

Speaking to Variety India, the film’s director Milan Luthria revisits the casting process and his meeting with Nana Patekar and John Abraham.

He believes the film was ahead of its time. Says Luthria, “Several people tell me that that film should have released now. We have a deep multiplex penetration now, not so much at that time. It was possibly a precursor of films to come. It's one of my favorites. I really, really had a great time making it and we did it with a sense of freedom and a sense of fun. I think that is what has come through to people.”

About the casting process, Milan reveals that he locked his lead actors on the same day. “I was looking for two actors who were total opposites of each other. So when I thought of Nana and I mulled over who would be the antithesis and thought of John (Abraham). I thought that these two guys together would be the most unexpected casting. I remember I locked them both on the same day, and it just fell into place.”

He continues, “I phoned Nana (Patekar), and introduced myself. He said, ‘Come right away. I'm practicing rifle shooting at the Worli Firing Range.’ I asked if I could come the next day and Hhe said, ‘No, come today.’ So, I went and I narrated the idea to him. He immediately said yes. Then I spoke to John (Abraham) and met him at Taj Land's End and he found the story, ‘very interesting.’” 

About the characterizations of the two actors in the film, Luthria adds, “It was two diametrically opposite kinds of actors with opposite looks, opposite appeal, opposite audiences, opposite careers, opposite styles of acting. It was like chalk and cheese. And in my head, the film was a ‘Tom and Jerry’ kind of movie. I didn't know we would have this kind of crackling chemistry between the two. It just happened.”

Bankrolled under the banners of Entertainment One and Ramesh Sippy Entertainment, “Taxi No. 9 2 11: Nau Do Gyarah” also stars Sameera Reddy, Sonali Kulkarni and Shivaji Satam in key roles.