Smith, who had been looking for an opportunity to work in India for over three years following his visit there to help a friend make a documentary, knew that if Nana came aboard, the film would get a boost.
"After seeing the 45 minute long cut, he remained quiet for some time," Smith said. "Then Nana Patekar said, 'This reminds me of what we used to do before we got corrupted.'"
Chris said Nana is the soul of the film, though the director also praised his nonprofessional actors.
"He also helped us define things," the director continued. "He guided us when he thought we were not getting the correct perspective. And he helped us with other artistes, who knew little Hindi but good Marathi."
The film which was shot over a five-month period is inspired by a Randy Russell story of the same name. "It was one of those things that stayed in mind for a long time even when I was looking at other potential projects," Smith said.
"The story is set in Iowa but I wanted to shift it to Panjim. I had been fascinated by the city for a long time, especially the contrast between the poor and the rich, who live in these beautiful, colonial homes."
Also See: 'Firaaq was never meant to be provocative'
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