Before Aanand L Rai prepares for his next film Atrangi Re, in a recent interview the director and producer opened up about experimenting with his craft to deliver a mix of entertainment and social messages.

"Of course, the priority is to entertain people, but at the end of the day is it just about entertainment? It [the film/story] should be layered with a certain kind of [ideas of] growth and change. As a filmmaker, since you are a part of society, you are bound to do something, especially since this medium is so strong," he said. 

Further speaking about his films association with small towns, Aanand said, "Maine kabhi small town ko small town ki tarah liya hi nai (I never just thought of it as a small town). For me, it is always a reflection of a progressive India and that’s how I always represent it. I have my reasons to go to Benares, Meerut or wherever I will go next."

Speaking about the failure of Shah Rukh Khan starrer Zero, he said, "Every film is like a chapter in my life. It teaches you something. I’ve gone silent after every film and tried to learn my lessons. Box-office collections haven’t changed the way I see my films. My process is still the same."

His next film Atrangi Re stars Akshay Kumar, Dhanush, and Sara Ali Khan. The shooting of the film will begin in March and Sara is touted to play a double role in the film and will be seen romancing Akshay and Dhanush.