Laal Singh Chaddha writer Atul Kulkarni: I had only visualised Aamir Khan in the role when I wrote the remake years ago

Atul Kulkarni said that people will watch Laal Singh Chaddha as an independent desi film.

Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in Laal Singh Chaddha

Atul Kulkarni had suggested to Aamir Khan that Forrest Gump (1994) may be masterfully adapted for the Indian audience, allowing viewers to relive the nation's political and cultural landmarks. This was during the production of Rang De Basanti (2006). Khan kept the notion because he considered Tom Hanks' star to be one of his all-time favourites. With Laal Singh Chaddha the duo has realised their concept after over 16 years.

It was challenging to adapt the Hollywood drama with its roots in American history. According to Laal Singh Chaddha's writer, Kulkarni, every phrase was a difficulty. He told Mid Day that it was challenging to modify it for the Indian setting. They turned it into a Desi movie, and additionally, when he wrote the remake years ago, he had imagined Aamir alone playing the part.

Khan recognised the potential of the project and promised to not only star in it but also support it going forward. Kulkarni went on to say that Rang De Basanti was a memorable experience for them that resulted in a close friendship. Since then, they have maintained contact. Aamir is the type of person that enjoys developing daily. He has always felt that he has learned something throughout their meetings.

One would assume that a writer does not have a free hand when a superstar is involved in a movie from the very beginning. But Kulkarni makes clear that cooperation is the only way to boost creativity. There is a misconception about having a free hand because there will inevitably be arguments about any given film. People mistakenly believe that disagreements are discussions, which is where the misconception resides. The actor-writer would say that everything he wrote for this movie made it to the screen. A few adjustments were considered and implemented; it was a group effort, as any movie should be.

The movie, starring Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, faces a challenging task as it prepares for release. Laal Singh Chaddha will face additional pressure from comparisons to the Hollywood masterpiece even if it strives to be a popular film like any other. As Kulkarni stated, when one sees Laal Singh Chaddha one will see that it's an independent desi cinema.

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