Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 28, 2016)

When Chinese filmmaker-actor Wang Baoqiang decided to set the sequel to his 2012 action-comedy, Lost In Thailand, in India, he wanted to recreate the Bull King from the 1995 Hong Kong fantasy-comedy, A Chinese Odyssey. "It's the first time that a non-Chinese man is up to play the Bull King," reveals Karnal-based actor Vikramjeet Virk, who was selected from over 200 models. "I was told that the look would be similar to Gerard Butler's in 300 so I underwent rigorous bodybuilding training and was asked to grow out my beard, moustache and hair," says the six-foot-three actor.

Titled Buddies In India, over 60 per cent of the Christmas release was shot in Rajasthan over a three-month schedule beginning February. "The Bull King is large and fierce but also has a quirky, humorous and protective side," Virk says, adding that choreographer Chinni Prakash known for the Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone song, "Lungi Dance" from Chennai Express, was flown down to Jodhpur to re-create a similar song.

"Mirchi" has the Bull King announcing a chilli eating competition in his kingdom. There are over 300 Chinese and Indians who eat, dance and celebrate with the winner. "It wasn't easy to film in 50-52 degrees in Jodhpur on an outdoor set with a Chinese crew. But they were an extremely professional unit," says Virk, adding that after all day rehearsals the shot would wrap up within 30 minutes.

The Bull King's entry was one of the final shots in which Virk jumps from a 30-feet pedestal on a set with 10-15 bull statues and paintings. And the director, Wang was sure Virk would either crashland or break the stage.

"When I did the jump in the first take, everybody cheered and Wang, for the first time, laughed and threw a party with his new Indian friends instead of continuing with the shoot," Virk signs off with a laugh.