Mumbai, 27 October (H.S.):

Filming has begun in Mumbai for ‘Long Years Ago’, the upcoming film by Ritesh Batra, the acclaimed director of ‘The Lunchbox’. Set in 1991, the family comedy-drama stars Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan and French actress Mélanie Laurent in leading roles.

The film revolves around a family whose members struggle with unspoken emotions and complicated relationships. As long-suppressed feelings come to the surface, the story explores the challenges of communication and the complexities of family bonds.

The project is being produced by Jio Studios under the leadership of Jyoti Deshpande, in collaboration with Batra’s production outfit, Poetic License, and Good Chaos.

Batra has expressed his enthusiasm about working with the ensemble cast, saying he is honoured to collaborate with the three actors and looks forward to seeing them bring characters close to his heart to life. Saif Ali Khan has also spoken positively about the screenplay, saying he felt an immediate connection with the story and was excited about its universal appeal.

For Vidya Balan, the film marks the fulfilment of a long-standing wish to work with Batra. She has admired the director’s storytelling since the release of his acclaimed 2013 film ‘The Lunchbox’ and has been keen to collaborate with him ever since.

The project also brings Batra and Laurent together after an association that began around 15 years ago at the Marrakech Film Festival. The two had discussed the possibility of collaborating on a film in Mumbai, and ‘Long Years Ago’ now brings that long-held aspiration to fruition.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar