Amitabh, Sunny, Dulquer, Pooja...Wow!

After directing Akshay Kumar in Padman, Director R Balki's next film --a thriller -- will feature another Punjabi star.

"Sunny Deol is in my film," he tells Subhash K Jha.

"I've never worked with him. This was a role that needed a man with an understated machismo. Strong yet vulnerable. A man of a few words whose presence alone makes people pay attention to him. Sunny can command respect without raising his voice or fist. I wanted that personality for this character," he says.

Malayalam star Dulquer Salman will also star in the thriller.

"Dulquer is one of the most talented actors today. I wanted to work with him for the longest time. His fans will see him in an entirely new light," says Balki.

The film also stars Pooja Bhatt, about whom Balki says, "There is much more to her than meets the eye. I am thankful to (Director) Alankrita Shrivastava for bringing Pooja back in Bombay Begums."

Are Sunny and Pooja paired up in the thriller?

"Let's just say they are co-hunters in the thriller," says Balki mysteriously.

There's no mystery in Amitabh Bachchan being a part of the cast.

"He has to be there! I've cast him in every single film of mine, beginning with Cheeni Kum where he was the lead, to Padman where he made a special appearance. In my thriller, Mr Bachchan will come in at a crucial juncture in the plot. His presence would be decisive, as it always is in my cinema. I've never cast him just for the sake of casting him."

Balki feels it's time to get back to work.

"We can't keep waiting for the COVID situation to turn around. We have to get back to work. I am doing that with anxiety and nervousness, not thinking too much ahead about where or when it will release. Right now, I'd just like to concentrate on making the film."