Rajkummar Rao Put On 8 Kgs For 'Made in China' Role, Says Director

"Made in China" director Mihil Musale is impressed with his lead star Rajkummar Rao's physical transformation that required the actor to put on eight kgs of weight. "I really don't know how he did it. And that too, in such a short time span. That's his secret and that's honestly the magic of a performer as incredible as Raj. I think he's spoiled me for life as this was my first Hindi film and I was fortunate enough to work with possibly the most collaborative artist," Mikhil said in a statement.

The director said that soon after Rajkummar came aboard the film, he started preparing for it, which included a recce of Ahmedabad, where the team was set to shoot.

"Raj and I had many conversations to solidify the space of Raghu Mehta's world. Next thing I know, I get a call from him telling me that he is in Ahmedabad. And this was a month before the shoot.

"He took a video camera and visited many busy areas of Ahmedabad from Lal Darwaja to Gandhi market to Manek Chowk and also a few places that lots of people don't know about. He visited these places completely under the radar - going virtually unrecognisable. He spoke to local store owners, young people shopping in those areas and also ate food from the local places to sink his teeth into the colloquialism and the culture."

"Made in China" marks yet another collaboration between Rajkummar and producer Dinesh Vijan.

The actor said, "'Stree' and 'Made in China' despite being completely different

genres of cinema, needed a solid framework to put it out there effectively... I am so glad Dinoo made me a part of 'Made in China' and I got an opportunity to play such a wonderful character, Raghu."

Dinesh said the film is yet another step in his "strong and fruitful relationship" with the actor.

"At Maddock, we have always believed in bringing forth cinema that is strong and socially relevant, while still being commercially viable and entertaining. I'm happy to have found like minded people in this journey, and I hope to that our association grows from strength to strength," he added.

Also featuring Mouni Roy, Sumeet Vyas, Gajraj Rao and Paresh Rawal, "Made in China" is scheduled to be released on Diwali.