Pune Highway: A Journey from Stage to Screen

From Theatre to Film: The Evolution of Pune Highway

Two decades ago, Pune Highway captivated theatre enthusiasts, receiving enthusiastic applause during its performances. The play has since traveled to nine different countries, consistently earning rave reviews from audiences.

Now, the film adaptation of this beloved play is also garnering admiration. Veteran ad-man and theatre director Rahul DaCunha has made his directorial debut with Pune Highway, collaborating with his long-time friend and associate Bugs Bhargava Krishna.

While Rahul is known for the iconic Amul girl, Bugs is recognized for the memorable tagline 'Taste the Thunder.' Their 40-year friendship has led to numerous collaborations, and they reflect on their joint direction of Pune Highway.

"When we first staged the play, I believed it had great potential for a film adaptation. Many, including Anurag Kashyap, encouraged Rahul to turn it into a movie. Now, 20 years later, we’ve finally brought it to life on screen," Bugs shares.

The plot revolves around a dead body discovered 140 kilometers from Pune, forever altering the lives of three close friends. Pune Highway is fundamentally a story about friendship, infused with elements of a crime thriller. "It’s a buddy film at heart, not a conventional procedural or whodunit," the directors explain.

Featuring a talented cast including Jim Sarbh, Shishir Sharma, and Amit Sadh, the directors emphasize the strength of the characters, stating, "We both contributed to the screenplay. Only exceptional actors could portray these roles effectively."

Bugs, who has previously directed thrillers like Nail Polish and Borat House, expresses his fascination with both light and dark themes. "To understand darkness, one must be intrigued by it," he notes. However, he assures that their film also contains plenty of humor.

With two directors at the helm, one might expect disagreements, but Bugs clarifies, "We had discussions, not arguments. We were mature enough to recognize what was best for the film, and the best idea prevailed."

Their enduring friendship over four decades is noteworthy. Rahul attributes their bond to a shared passion for their work, stating, "Finding a partner who shares multiple passions is rare. We are passionate about advertising, theatre, and now film, which is fantastic."

"And books too! We are both writing," Bugs adds.

Curious about how they manage so many creative endeavors, Bugs reveals, "We plan our creative trajectory for the next decade, assuming we remain healthy and alive."

With Pune Highway completed, the duo has another aspiration. "Our friend Rajit Kapur frequently visits Chandigarh, but we haven't been there in a while. The city has a discerning audience, and we hope to stage a play there soon!"