Exclusive! Sonkshi Sinha-Huma Qureshi's Double XL: Director Satram Ramani's big reveal

As the Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi-starrer Double XL nears release, the director of the film, Satram Ramani, spills the bean on how a dinner-table conversation translated into a full-length film with a social message.

In a conversation with OTTplay, Satram said, "I think that everything happened in a very unusual way for Double XL. One day, Huma and Sonakshi — who are great friends — were having a funny conversation over dinner with friends and family. I was there, as was Mudassar (Aziz, writer of the story). Both the wonderful women were laughing at the fact that despite facing criticism, they will neither stop eating good food, nor achieving their dreams of becoming successful actresses."

The director added, "That's when the idea just clicked. Sonakshi and Huma are successful and have inspired many girls who face fat-shaming. The one-liner of our story came from there. What we intend to say through the film is that anyone can achieve their dreams, and that dreams do not judge you based on your body shape or size. If you have the talent, you can achieve anything, and your size is not an obstacle." 

Staring her career in 2010, Sonakshi delivered successful films like Dabangg, Rowdy Rathore, Lootera and Mission Mangal, among others. But she has been criticised for being a plus-size woman. Huma has also been shamed, despite delivering hits like Gangs of Wasseypur, Dedh Ishqiya, Badlapur, Maharani, Leila and Mithya.

Double XL is set in Bhopal and revolves around two girls, Rajshri Trivedi and Siara Khanna. While Siara wants to become a fashion blogger, Rajshri dreams of being a sports TV presenter. However, since both are plus-sized, they face rejection despite being talented. Their obstacles unite them, setting them down a journey to achieve their dreams.

Double XL also features Zaheer Iqbal, Mahat Raghavendra and cricketer Sikhar Dhawan in a special role. It is all set to release in theatres on November 4.