Development
In late 2019, rumors surfaced about Shah Rukh Khan teaming up with Tamil director Atlee. Atlee confirmed the project during the promotion of Bigil. The story was narrated to Khan through a Zoom call during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Filming was set to begin in May 2021, and Red Chillies Entertainment officially announced the project on June 3, 2022, with a budget of ₹300 crores
Writing and Crew
Atlee co-wrote the script with S. Ramana Giri Wasan. Key technicians like cinematographer G. K. Vishnu, editor Ruben, and others were retained. The film boasts multiple stunt directors and renowned dance choreographers, including Farah Khan, Vaibhavi Merchant, Shobi, and Lalitha.
Casting
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra played a pivotal role. Shah Rukh Khan took on a dual role, appearing as a father and son in six different looks. Nayanthara made her Hindi cinema debut as the female lead, joined by Priyamani, Sunil Grover, Sanya Malhotra, and Yogi Babu. Vijay Sethupathi replaced Rana Daggubati as the antagonist. Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Dutt joined for special appearances.
Filming
Principal photography started in September 2021 in Pune, including scenes at the Sant Tukaram Nagar metro station. Subsequent schedules unfolded in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, and Rajasthan, capturing various action sequences, family moments, and special appearances. The filming process extended from 2021 to 2023, showcasing diverse locations and intricate choreography by renowned choreographers.
Post-production
Post-production began in January 2023, lasting six months due to extensive computer graphics and visual effects. Key contributors included editor Ruben, Red Chillies VFX, visual effects supervisor Harry Hingorani, VFX producer Keitan Yadav, colorist Ken Metzker, and sound designer Kunal Rajan.
Dubbing and Finalization
Nayanthara dubbed for her character in May 2023, with additional dubbing for Tamil and Telugu versions by Deepa Venkat and Raveena Ravi. The final film, with a runtime of 169 minutes, received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification on August 22, 2023.
The completion of the film in August 2023 marks the end of an extensive and intricate filmmaking process. The collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan, Atlee, and a diverse, talented cast, coupled with significant technical contributions, sets the stage for an eagerly awaited cinematic experience.
