"Had Mohanlal and Sridevi in mind as the lead"

"There is a difference between scientists at USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration and India's ISRO. At ISRO, ordinary people do extraordinary things. They hail from different Indian states. That is why I decided to rope in South Indian actors. While writing the script, I imagined Mohanlal and Sridevi in the lead roles. But eventually, the roles went to Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan. I knew Sonakshi and she used to tell me that I should call her when I do my first movie. I picked Taapsee as she is a familiar face not only in South but in Bollywood also. My plans to cast Manju Warrier did not materialise, and hence the role went to Nithya Menen. Vidhya Balan's character is close to my heart."

- JAGAN SHAKTI