Interestingly, Rajkummar Rao's fifth collaboration with the National Award-winning filmmaker is Chhalaang, which is a social comedy and would take Rajkummar Rao back to his college days and his first job.
Set in Haryana, Rajkummar plays a PT master, named Montu, in a semi-government funded school, with Nushrat Bharucha as his love interest Neelu. Talking about his preparation for his role `My prep involved getting the Haryanvi accent right and learning about the fitness routine taught to kids in school,` he informs, admitting that as a boy, he had loved PT drills and his teachers doted on him because he was good in every sport. `In fact, one of my teachers wanted me to focus exclusively on sports and not get distracted by dance and acting.`
In the film, Montu addresses the value of sports education in the school curriculum, pointing out that the PT teacher instills discipline and fitness in the students while making it fun for them. `Unfortunately, they are not often appreciated,` rues Rajkummar Rao.
Interestingly, back in 2004, before moving to Mumbai and getting into film, Rajkummar Rao used to be a drama teacher. `While I was in college, I taught dance and dramatics at the DAV Public School in Gurgaon for a few hours in the morning before lectures. I was more of a friend to my students than a teacher because there was not much of an age gap. In fact, I was the youngest teacher in school and as enthusiastic about honing my acting skills as the extra money. I even directed a play, Sikander, during this three-month stint. It was a historical and showcased the battle between Alexander and Porus,` he reveals.
The first poster of Chhalaang was funny and insightful which has raised the excitement level amongst the audience.
Chhalaang, a social comedy stars Rajkummar Rao and Nushrat Bharucha in lead roles. Directed by Hansal Mehta, written By Luv Ranjan, Aseem Arrora & Zeishan Quadri, Chalaang is Produced By Ajay Devgn, Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg whereas the story is written by Luv Ranjan. The film is all set to release by 13th March 2020.