MUMBAI: Ayushmann Khurrana recently turned assistant director for Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, JA Entertainment and Rising Sun Films' Madras Cafe. The actor travelled to Kochi for ten days to assist director Shoojit Sircar on a crucial dramatic scene between John Abraham and Siddharth Basu and a few others.

Though Ayushmann was keen on assisting the director through the entire schedule, his professional commitments didn't permit him to. However, as soon as his calendar opened up, he caught the next flight to Kochi to assist Shoojit on the political thriller.

Says Shoojit Sircar, "Ayushmann had told me during Vicky Donor that if the film tanked and he didn't get any work thereafter, he would assist me. But the film worked and he became a star. However, to get a better hang of direction, he did join us for a few days on the sets of Madras Cafe and proved to be a talented assistant."

Says Ayushmann Khurana, "I wish I could be there for all 40 days of the Madras Cafe shoot. Shoojit has a fabulous set up. It was fascinating to see actors from a different point of view. I hope this experience results in making me a better actor."

Presented by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and JA Entertainment and produced by Rising Sun Films and JA Entertainment, Madras Cafe, directed by Shoojit Sircar is scheduled to release 23 August 2013.