The Russo Brothers — Anthony and Joe — have spent the last few years conjuring up cinematic universes ranging from Captain America to Avengers: Endgame. Now, they have set their eyes on India. They acknowledge that working with Indian talent has become their primary focus as they seek to weave a web of “desi” stories. In fact, it is proven by their collaboration with actor Dhanush in their upcoming action epic, The Gray Man. However, the duo’s tryst with India started when they came to the country to promote Avengers films in the past, and the experiences left a lasting impression on their minds. Since then, they brought actor Chris Hemsworth to India for shooting a project, and also worked with actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas as well as filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, collectively known as Raj & DK, on another project.

“India has a strong and fantastic film business, just like the USA. It’s sadly not broken through on an international level consistently. There are so many talented actors, writers and directors. So we have made it a special focus of ours to try and bring some of that talent to the world through our stories, to try to bring India to the world through our stories,”

Joe tells us over a video call. He goes on, “We are impressed by the level of discipline and quality that Indian actors bring to the set, be it Priyanka or Dhanush. They are so prepared. They have worked so much in Indian cinema that they understand where the camera is and the type of performance [that is required from them]. They are very well trained in all different aspects of performance.”

Joe also reveals that, over the years, they have compiled a list of Indian actors with whom they want to work with.

When it comes to The Gray Man, it was supposed to be their second directing project after 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier. But they were so consumed by the superhero world that the project took a back seat. After wrapping up their Marvel story, they moved on to this new adventure with actors Dhanush, Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. The Netflix action thriller features Evans as a villain, Lloyd Hansen, who sets out to hunt a CIA agent (Gosling).

According to Anthony, the film reflects the truth and anxiety of the present world. “We always try to infuse our movies with the anxieties that we are feeling right now,” says Anthony.

Talking about Dhanush, Joe reveals that the character Avik San “was written especially” for him and that the duo found him during their research. “He is an extremely gifted action actor with a great level of discipline and control over his body. He has two of my favourite fight sequences in the film. We had him in mind from very early on in the script stage. I’d love to keep working with him,” Joe wraps up.