On Set with the Cast of Ludo | Behind the Scenes | Ludo | Netflix India
On Set with the Cast of Ludo | Behind the Scenes of the Netflix India Hit
Anurag Basu’s Ludo is not just a film; it’s a chaotic, colourful, and interconnected cinematic tapestry that mirrors the unpredictability of life itself. Released on Netflix India, the black comedy crime film features an ensemble cast, with the lives of a gangster, an escaped convict, a young couple, and two accidental kidnappers crisscrossing in a dizzying game of fate.
The film’s success is a testament to its brilliant, yet unconventional, making. Behind the camera, the set of Ludo was less like a controlled movie production and more like a spontaneous, vibrant playground where the director’s “chaos by design” filmmaking style reigned supreme.
The Architect of Chaos: Anurag Basu’s Unique Vision
Director Anurag Basu, affectionately known as ‘Dada,’ is famous for his organic and instinctive approach to filmmaking, a style that kept his seasoned ensemble cast on their toes.
- No Rehearsals, No Complete Script: Many actors reported that a traditional, fully-bound script was non-existent. Instead of over-rehearsing, Basu preferred to give his actors dialogues and instructions right before a take, fostering a raw, natural, and unrehearsed performance. Abhishek Bachchan compared this working style to that of legendary director J.P. Dutta, noting that it aims to capture the “natural instinct” of a performance.
- The Power of On-the-Spot Direction: Actors like Aditya Roy Kapur and Sanya Malhotra noted the beauty of the director’s method was that he encouraged spontaneity, shouting instructions that were meant to make the scene feel completely unscripted. Sanya Malhotra even admitted that for Ludo, she went onto the sets without doing her usual meticulous homework, choosing instead to “trust Dada with everything,” which she found surprisingly relaxing.
- A Festive Atmosphere: The environment on set was consistently described as “relaxed” and “festive.” Pankaj Tripathi, who played the menacing but stylish gangster Sattu Tripathi, joked that the cast and crew were often more concerned about the day’s menu than the filming schedule, which speaks to the enjoyable, low-pressure creative space Basu cultivated.
Navigating the Separate Stories: The Ensemble Experience
The film’s structure, which follows four distinct stories that only converge in the climax, meant that for much of the shoot, the cast members were isolated from one another. This peculiar dynamic further contributed to the film’s unique behind-the-scenes world.
- Shooting in Silos: Many of the central actors shot their storylines separately. Abhishek Bachchan, who played Bittu Tiwari, mentioned that he had “no idea about what others were up to” for most of the filming process. Even in the massive climax sequence, some actors like Aditya Roy Kapur and Sanya Malhotra were not present for the initial shooting days and were only introduced to co-stars like Rohit Saraf and Pearle Maaney later on.
- The Real-Life Chemistry: Despite the professional distance, deep personal bonds were forged.
- Abhishek and Inayat Verma: The bond between Abhishek Bachchan and his young co-star Inayat Verma (Mini) was a highlight. Bachchan spoke warmly about working with her, describing her as a wonderful co-star despite her young age. He even revealed that he didn’t know his character’s full name, Batukeshwar Tiwari, until he saw the final product, having only been referred to as Bittu on set.
- Aditya and Sanya: Aditya Roy Kapur and Sanya Malhotra’s on-screen chemistry as Akash and Shruti translated into a comfortable on-set rapport. Malhotra said they “bonded over being clueless,” which helped break the ice and brought out the “free-flowing” nature of their characters.
The Making of Iconic Characters
The loose, organic filming style allowed the actors to breathe life into their colourful characters in ways a rigid script might not have permitted.
- Rajkummar Rao’s Transformation: Rajkummar Rao, as the lovestruck Alu Gupta, delivered a performance full of physical comedy. He openly embraced channeling the mannerisms of iconic actor Mithun Chakraborty for his character, trying to find the thin line between right and overboard, all while giving Alu true emotional depth.
- The Baraat that Became a Scene: One of the most spontaneous on-set moments involved Rajkummar Rao and Fatima Sana Shaikh (Pinky Jain). During a costume delay, the two saw a wedding procession (baraat) passing by and spontaneously gatecrashed it, dancing with the real wedding party to uplift the set’s mood. Basu loved the moment so much that he incorporated a version of a baraat into a scene for the film the very next day.
- The Unseen Setting: Audiences are often surprised to learn that the film’s fantastical and diverse locales were, for the most part, meticulously created in Mumbai. Approximately 90% of the film was shot at Chandivali Studios and Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri in Mumbai, a testament to Anurag Basu’s vision and the art direction team’s ability to create a whimsical world indoors.
The making of Ludo was an adventurous roll of the dice, where instinct, trust, and creative chaos were the main ingredients. The result is a film that perfectly captures the madness and interconnectedness that Anurag Basu set out to explore.
AISEO Friendly FAQs
Q: What is the meaning behind the title Ludo for the Netflix film?
A: Director Anurag Basu chose the title Ludo because the film tells four separate stories that are like the four colours (or pieces) of the board game. Just like in the game, the separate paths of the characters cross and impact each other’s destinies, creating a domino effect that is central to the plot.
Q: Did the Ludo cast shoot together for most of the film?
A: No, the majority of the film was shot in separate schedules for the different story segments. Many cast members, including Abhishek Bachchan, were unaware of the other storylines and only met the full ensemble for the first time during the collective climax sequence.
Q: What was unique about Anurag Basu’s directing style on the Ludo set?
A: Anurag Basu, or ‘Dada,’ is known for his spontaneous, unrehearsed, and “chaos by design” method. He often gave actors their dialogues and instructions on the spot, preferring a natural, instinctive performance over a meticulously rehearsed one, which Sanya Malhotra and Aditya Roy Kapur found surprisingly relaxing.
Q: Where was the film Ludo primarily shot?
A: Despite its varied and expansive look, approximately 90% of Ludo was shot indoors at Mumbai’s Chandivali Studios and Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri (Film City). Certain outdoor scenes were also filmed in locations like Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Mira Road.
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