​”Flights, especially to Europe and North America by Indian carriers, have to take longer routes, which has increased travel time and associated cost,” Asangba Chuba Ao said. 

“My agent told me that this is a script that I should do. The fact that it had Bob Odenkirk attached and was coming from him pushed it straight to the top of my list. I was very excited to read it and discover what it was about, but also the prospect of working with Bob really sealed it. In terms of making movies, it was something I’d wanted to do for a long time a neo-western. It had those elements. It felt like an inverted High Noon, where instead of the sheriff fighting off bad guys because the townsfolk wouldn’t support him, he’s actually fighting the townsfolk themselves. That immediately appealed to me.”

That idea of flipping a familiar genre dynamic became central to his approach. He saw Normal as a film that could draw from the classical western tradition while reworking it within a contemporary framework.

“The overall vision for the film was to make an action movie that was fun, but also had heart, something that wasn’t too cynical. It stands with one foot in the classical western form and the other in modern action cinema. There’s a lot to learn from the western genre, especially its clear binaries good vs. bad, heroes vs. villains. But placing that in a modern setting, with contemporary pressures and worries, makes it more relatable for audiences today,” the filmmaker continued.

At the centre of the film is Odenkirk’s performance, which Wheatley describes as emotionally rich and instinctive. “Bob brings a deep emotional understanding to the character of Ulysses. When you look into his eyes, there’s so much meaning beyond the dialogue. You believe his pain, his doubts, the moral questions he’s grappling with. That emotional weight is something he brings effortlessly. Working with him is incredibly exciting. He constantly challenges the script and its meaning. As a producer, writer, and performer, he can make decisions quickly, which keeps the production agile. You’re never worried about finding a scene; it’s always solid when he’s on screen. And having that kind of creative partner means you can question things, tweak them on the fly, and push everything to be better without hesitation.”

Working with Henry Winkler, who is widely known as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days, was an experience Wheatley describes as both surreal and rewarding. “Henry Winkler, for me, was surreal to work with. On our first call, I remember thinking, “I’m talking to the Fonz.” He’s a living icon, but also incredibly warm and humble. He can be vulnerable about his performance but then delivers something fantastic. On set, he’s open, approachable, and genuinely engaged with everyone. It was a real joy working with him.”

Beyond the performances, the process of making the film itself left a strong impression on the filmmaker, particularly the opportunity to collaborate with new people and work in unfamiliar environments. “What I’ve enjoyed most is meeting a lot of new people—actors and crew—and that has been awesome. Shooting in Canada has been fantastic, and I’ve never done that before for a movie, so I’ve really enjoyed it. Shooting in new environments has been great; I’ve done a lot of things in closed-in spaces, and it’s been refreshing to get out and about, onto planes and onto a wider canvas. I also think it’s been amazing to shoot a lot of action in a movie that has a lot of heart but also includes comedy beats. That’s my favourite thing to do.”

PVR Inox Pictures will be releasing Normal in cinemas across India on April 17, 2026.

Also Read: Bob Odenkirk’s Normal to Release in India: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About The Film

Oscar-award winning music composer MM Keeravani, the prized composer for movies like Baahubali and RRR, has posted a single number on social media today. It read simply “365”. The digit points to exactly one year remaining until the theatrical debut of director SS Rajamouli’s upcoming project. The film, titled Varanasi, features actor Mahesh Babu in the lead role along with Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. It is scheduled to arrive in theatres on April 7, 2027.

The production team is currently shooting scenes in Hyderabad. Co-producer SS Karthikeya replied to the composer’s update in a playful manner. He inquired when the first song from Varanasi would be ready. The light exchange quickly spread online among fans. Sources close to the project confirmed that the makers remain firm on the fixed release date. No changes are expected at this stage.

The movie is an epic-scale action-adventure tale with grand scale. Countdown updates from big-budget film teams are always good. Such simple posts are more than about buzz creation. They remind viewers that the project is moving forward without delay. Fans feel connected when they see the team share progress openly. These messages also highlight the makers’ commitment to strict timelines. They show discipline in handling both filming and later stages like editing and music. Teams avoid last-minute rushes by sticking to plans.

Cinematographer PS Vinod is on board. Producers KL Narayana and SS Karthikeya oversee the venture under their banners. Such updates keep anticipation alive for months. They turn waiting periods into shared events.

Varanasi’s title was released at a grand event in Hyderabad in November 2025. In the next two days, Rajamouli, Mahesh, Priyanka and Prithviraj recorded interviews for the international media. Varanasi will be the biggest Indian release of 2027.

Also Read: 8 Photos That Prove SS Rajamouli’s Film Varanasi Would Be a Visual Feast