Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

EXCLUSIVE: Ajay Devgn aiming to fly high with Runway 34

EXCLUSIVE: Ajay Devgn aiming to fly high with Runway 34

Newly released Bollywood film Runway 34 being a passion project for Ajay Devgn is illustrated by the fact that he has produced, directed, and starred in the powerful drama.

He plays a pilot, who is investigated after an emergency while flying, in the big budget Bollywood Eid release, which also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani and Rakul Preet Singh.


Eastern Eye had a quick catch up with the popular star to find out more about the film.

What drew you towards the subject of Runway 34?

The script is exciting. It shows how the truth is not something that it appears to be, especially when it comes to an aviation thriller. In the case of Runway 34, the truth lies 35000 feet above sea level. You have to see the film to discover the real truth.

What made you want to direct it?

I was drawn to the script because it has a magnetic quality about it. Thrillers are a genre I have enjoyed even as a cine-goer. So, I had to get behind-the-scenes for this one.

Tell us about your character in Runway 34?

He’s a flying prodigy who has fantastic people skills. But he’s also a bit cocky and a rule-breaker. He’s an interesting shade of grey.

Is it fair to say you have not played a role like this before?

I have never played a role like Captain Vikrant Khanna from Runway 34. It’s a first for me.

Is he a good guy or a bad guy?

He’s a good guy with shades of grey. He’s no saint, but he’s not a sinner either. He’s very human, just like you and me.

What is it like sharing the screen space with Amitabh Bachchan and directing him?

Mayday V 26 Ajay Devgn with Amitabh Bachchan

Mr Amitabh Bachchan and I have shared screen time in Khakee, Major Saab, Bol Bachchan (where he was in a song) and now in Runway 34. I’m a fan of Mr Bachchan and also his neighbour. I have known him personally from the time I was a child because I would accompany my father (Veeru Devgan) to film shoots that had Mr Bachchan. Sharing screen space with him is a privilege and a joy. Directing him is a dream come true.

What is your own favourite moment in the movie?

Frankly there isn’t any single favourite moment. I was so involved in the film. Each and every frame is my favourite.

How do you feel before the release of a film after all these years?

AJAY DEVGN CLEAN HIRES 1 Ajay Devgn plays pilot in Runway 34

I haven’t had a long gap at the theatres. Tanhaji-The Unsung Warrior, which was the biggest box office grosser of 2020, released in January, 2020 just before the pandemic struck. When the pandemic eased out, I was in guest appearances in Sooryavanshi, RRR and Gangubai Kathiawadi. So, you see I was never really away.

How do you manage to balance so many projects as a filmmaker and actor?

By working hard and preparing with precision.

Why should we watch Runway 34?

To get a first-time experience of an Indian film that is made on what seems like real-time. It’s not orchestrated. Runway 34 has believable characters, a script full of twists and it will give the audience an edge-of-the-seat thrill.

Runway 34 is in cinemas now

More For You

Will Smith’s shout-out to Diljit Dosanjh sparks viral collaboration buzz

Will Smith’s comment on Diljit Dosanjh’s latest song sparks excitement among fans

Instagram/diljitdosanjh

Will Smith’s shout-out to Diljit Dosanjh sparks viral collaboration buzz

When Hollywood superstar Will Smith drops a comment on your Instagram post, you know something big is brewing. That’s exactly what happened when Diljit Dosanjh, the Punjabi music sensation, shared a snippet of his latest track, Tension, on social media. Smith, known for his iconic roles and global influence, left a simple yet impactful comment: “Fire!.” Diljit, clearly thrilled, responded with, “@willsmith BIG BROTHER 🦾.”

This brief exchange sent fans into a frenzy, with many speculating if a collaboration between the two stars is on the horizon. One fan wrote, “This is BIG!,” while another chimed in, “Hopefully, there are plans for you two to work together!”

Will Smith drops a "Fire!" comment on Diljit Dosanjh’s post, fuelling collaboration rumoursInstagram/diljitdosanjh

Keep ReadingShow less
Police halt Ed Sheeran’s street performance

Sheeran, who began his career as a busker in the UK, said later on his Instagram account that he did have permission to perform.

Police halt Ed Sheeran’s street performance in Bengaluru

A STREET performance by Ed Sheeran in Bengaluru was stopped abruptly by police last Sunday (9), outraging fans and prompting the British singer to issue a clarification.

Sheeran, dressed in a white t-shirt and shorts was seen singing and playing his guitar on a pavement in the centre of Bengaluru ahead of his concert last Sunday night.

Keep ReadingShow less
NIFFA 2025 to open with ‘Superboys of Malegaon,’ biggest line-up yet

Superboys of Malegaon’ set to open NIFFA 2025, Australia’s biggest Indian film festival

Instagram/shashank.arora

NIFFA 2025 to open with ‘Superboys of Malegaon,’ biggest line-up yet

The National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) is gearing up for its most ambitious edition yet, bringing over 40 Indian films to Australian audiences. In collaboration with Dendy, the festival will showcase three world premieres and 36 Australian premieres, featuring a diverse mix of films across multiple Indian languages, including some never seen before in Australian theatres.

Reema Kagti’s much-anticipated Superboys of Malegaon will open the festival on February 13, 2025, with a grand red-carpet gala in Sydney. The film, which previously screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival, will travel across major cities, including Canberra, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Melbourne, before a nationwide release by Forum Films.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Allahbadia’s controversy sparks Parliament row after YouTube takedown

Ranveer Allahbadia faces backlash as controversy sparks national debate

Youtube/Samay Raina

Ranveer Allahbadia’s controversy sparks Parliament row after YouTube takedown

Popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, known as ‘BeerBiceps,’ is under fire for his controversial comments on comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show, India’s Got Latent. The episode, which has since been removed from YouTube, featured Ranveer asking a contestant inappropriate and vulgar questions, sparking widespread outrage.

The controversy has escalated to the highest levels, with Members of Parliament raising concerns and demanding action. A parliamentary panel on Information Technology is reportedly considering summoning Ranveer to address the issue. MPs like Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi and Biju Janata Dal’s Sasmit Patra have criticised the use of offensive language under the guise of comedy, emphasising the need for stricter content guidelines on social media platforms.

Ranveer Allahbadia faces backlash and legal probe over controversial remarks on \u2018India\u2019s Got Latent\u2019Ranveer Allahbadia faces backlash and legal probe over controversial remarks on ‘India’s Got Latent’ Instagram/beerbiceps

Keep ReadingShow less
Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s scooter ride: A viral internet hit!

Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh share the stage, creating musical magic together.

Instagram/arijitsingh

Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s scooter ride: A viral internet hit!

When two of the world’s most beloved singers come together, magic happens. Ed Sheeran, the global pop sensation, and Arijit Singh, India’s soulful voice, recently made headlines for their viral scooter ride through the streets of Jiaganj, Arijit’s hometown in West Bengal. The video of their casual outing has taken the internet by storm, with fans calling it the “most wholesome moment ever.”

In the viral clip, Arijit is seen driving the scooter while Ed enjoys the ride as a pillion passenger. The duo, accompanied by a few friends on other scooters, ditched heavy security and opted for the real small-town vibe. Their adventure didn’t stop there though, they also took a quiet boat ride along the Bhagirathi River enjoying the quiet beauty of Jiaganj like a true local.

Keep ReadingShow less