Alia Bhatt & Ranbir Kapoor Interview Brahmastra Part One Shiva

Indian cinema is going global, as Brahmastra Part One: Shiva prepares to unveil the nation's first fullscale cinematic universe (dubbed the "Astraverse") on September 9.

- 

Produced by Star Studios and distributed by Disney worldwide, the new fantasy epic is based on the ancient legends of Astras despite being set in the modern age. It was directed by Ayan Mukerji, whose films Wake Up Sid and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani have garnered him much critical acclaim and commercial success.

Brahmästra stars Ranbir Kapoor, who played integral roles in Mujerki's previous films, as the hero Shiva. Upon learning that he can wield the power of fire, he embarks on an action-filled adventure to save the world alongside the likes of Bollywood screen legends Amitabh Bachchan and Shahruhk Khan. But his true partner in the story, and the worthy co-lead in the film, is his love interest Isha (played by Alia Bhatt, who recently lit up the screen in the worldwide Netflix sensation RRR). Their innocent romance is soon swept up into the battle for the soul of the planet, meaning viewers will get a healthy dose of romance alongside the action.

Ranbir, Brahmastra has been 10 years in the making for the director, Ayan Mukerji. He said you were the first person he spoke to about it, so what has it been like going on this journey with him for so long?

Ranbir Kapoor: Well, it's been a privilege. It's been a privilege as an actor, and as somebody who's also an aspiring filmmaker, to see the kind of dedication, hard work, and passion that Ayaan has put in all these 10 years.

He started with a very original idea that came to him at one point. He's, of course, been a big fan of Indian mythology; of Western films like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. [He wrote] a story from scratch and over three parts, which is very rich in Indian culture and is inspired by Indian mythology, and to have a front row seat to that experience has really been a privilege.