Is the storyline of the Amitabh Bachchan-Dhanush-starrer Shamitabh inspired by Rajinikant’s life? Says a source, “In the movie, Dhanush, follows the profession of his mother, selling edibles at a bus depot… and thereafter works as a bus conductor. How he becomes a superstar is what the story is about.”
He adds, “The story is also slightly inspired by the life of Dhanush’s father-in-law, Rajinikant. “Shah Rukh was approached for the role earlier. But it’s beneficial for the film that it was finally Dhanush who did the role. This has given immense freshness to the film,” says the source.
About his role, Amitabh Bachchan had said, “I play a frustrated old man, jo hamesha sharab mein lipta rehta hai (who is always immersed in drink).” The source adds, “Amitji plays a drunkard. The climax scene in his baritone voice was not only breathtaking but everyone present on the sets had tears in their eyes.”
“Amitabh plays the keeper of a well-known graveyard. It’s situated near a tea estate down South where the climax scene was canned.”
