Director Ritesh Batra Begins Filming Comedy-Drama ‘Long Years Ago’ in Mumbai with Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan and Mélanie Laurent

Filming is officially underway in Mumbai for ‘Long Years Ago’, a new comedy-drama directed by Ritesh Batra, featuring a prominent international cast that includes Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, and Mélanie Laurent.

According to reported announcements, the project is a collaboration involving Adeel Ahmed and Batra’s Poetic License, alongside production partners Jio Studios and Good Chaos. Jyoti Deshpande is producing for Jio, while Mike Goodridge, Teresa Moneo, and Siddharth Mehra serve as executive producers.

Plot and Setting

Set in the year 1991, the narrative of ‘Long Years Ago’ focuses on a family grappling with unexpressed emotions and the pivotal moment when they are compelled to articulate the things that matter most.

Cast and Creative Team Perspectives

• Ritesh Batra: The writer-director expressed his honor in working with the lead actors to bring his deeply personal characters to life.
• Saif Ali Khan: Highlighted the film's exploration of love, family, and communication, noting his excitement to collaborate with the ensemble.
• Vidya Balan: Expressed long-standing admiration for Batra’s work following ‘The Lunchbox’ and noted her enthusiasm for reuniting with Saif Ali Khan after her debut film ‘Parineeta’.
• Mélanie Laurent: Shared that her connection with Batra began fifteen years ago at the Marrakech Film Festival, leading to this current collaboration.

Background and Verification

Ritesh Batra is widely recognized for his acclaimed 2013 feature ‘The Lunchbox’, which premiered at Cannes, as well as subsequent projects such as ‘Our Souls at Night’ and ‘Photograph’.

Readers and industry observers can verify the initial announcements of ‘Long Years Ago’ by checking official studio press releases from Jio Studios and statements reported through major entertainment industry trade publications like Deadline.