Mumbai: Filmmaker Ritesh Batra, celebrated for ‘The Lunchbox’, has commenced shooting for his new film, ‘Long Years Ago’. The comedy-drama, set in 1991 Mumbai, features a compelling cast including Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, and French actor Melanie Laurent.
The film explores the dynamics of a family compelled to address unspoken issues. This project marks a reunion for Saif and Vidya, who last shared the screen in their debut film, ‘Parineeta’. Melanie Laurent, known for her roles in ‘Inglourious Basterds’ and ‘Now You See Me’, completes the lead trio.
Saif Ali Khan expressed a strong connection to the script, praising Batra’s ability to craft intimate stories. “Ritesh has an extraordinary gift for telling deeply personal stories that resonate across cultures. ‘Long Years Ago’ is about love, family, and the things we often struggle to say,” Saif stated, highlighting his excitement to work with Melanie and Vidya again.
Vidya Balan also shared her enthusiasm, acknowledging her long-standing admiration for Batra’s work since ‘The Lunchbox’. She added, “Reuniting with Saif after ‘Parineeta’, my very first film, makes this even more special.”
Melanie Laurent recalled a 15-year-old dream of working with Batra in Mumbai, a dream now realized. The film is a collaboration between Adeel Ahmed and Ritesh Batra’s ‘Poetic License’, Jio Studios, and Good Chaos, with Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios producing.