From head-in-the-box teaser ads, to Auro merchandise, Paa-and-I campaign strategies, to Big B visiting schools, the promotional strategy for the film made on the theme of father-son relationship has been novel so far. And if the news of the role reversal—Abhishek plays Amitabh’s paa in the movie—was not enough, the initial teasers were mind blowing. The first teasers showed a baldhead inside a cardboard box. That was enough to make people sit up and take notice. Then came the television promos, which revealed the main crux of the film. Since then, there’s been no stopping for the Paa and Auro (character played by Amitabh). Paa is one of the most anticipated films this season.

The screen chemistry Amitabh and son Abhishek Bachchan always has the film trade in a tizzy. Amitabh has played many roles in his long filmy career but Paa being the most challenging one as he has enacted a 12-year-old progeria patient in the film. International make-up artist Stephan Dupuis designed Big B's look and everyday it took five to six hours to don the ageing look.

Big B is an incredible actor. His body of work proves it. The actor continues to surprise you to this date. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that PAA is the first film, after GHAJINI, which has aroused such reactions from all quarters - the industrywalas as well as the paying public. The veteran actor's look is being widely discussed and praised by one and all.

PAA has become a hot proposition overnight, soon after its very first promo was unveiled. The distributors are super-excited, the exhibitors are waiting to lay their hands on the film and the moviegoers are waiting with bated breath to watch the superstar transform into a kid.

Not many are aware that Abhishek Bachchan himself has handled the production reins of PAA. "It was a great learning experience," says Abhi. Abhishek seems to have learnt the ropes pretty fast, since the first thing he did, before the film went on floors, was to keep the economics of PAA in check.

"Making an economically viable project is most important in today's times," Abhishek says. The film hasn't cost its makers a fancy amount, despite the presence of A-listers such as the Big B, Abhishek himself, Vidya Balan and Paresh Rawal. Filmmaker R Balki who has got this duo to light up the marquee feels he is truly fortunate to have them in his film once again. As for the Big B himself, he maintains that working with AB junior has always been a pleasurable experience. In measured words, he says, “With each film, I notice change in Abhishek’s performance. I like that because he learns from each film. I was surprised when I saw him in Guru. I didn’t know whether he’d able to pull off the challenge the role offered; and yet he did it so convincingly. I envy him. At that young age, he did something that I never got to do. Likewise, I feel that Abhishek has lived up to the role offered to him in Paa. And I see that with each film, there is certain maturity in his performances. Which is good. He is moving step by step but he is moving forward.”

The premiere of Paa will be memorable for more reasons than one. Bachchans are sure to pull out all the stops to make the event a grand success. The venue of the premiere will be decorated to resemble a child’s nursery. However, the best part of the premiere will be Abhishek entering the premiere by carrying Amitabh piggyback, replicating a sequence from the film. Incidentally, this is something Abhishek insists on doing; despite Amitabh being worried about the effect it will have on his son’s back.

To add glamour to the gala premiere Amitabh Abhishek & Aishwarya are inviting their friends to attend the Big Day, present on the occasion will be perfectionist Aamir Khan and superstar Shahrukh Khan. Both the actors have confirmed their presence but SRK in a very humorous way.

"Shah Rukh has remained with me in the late afternoon. He is a very funny man and shakes me into joviality when I inform him about the premiere and his absolute presence there. He tells me, 'He is already there, black suited and with anticipation of seeing Paa," Amitabh posted on his blog. "Aamir too communicates today and confirms his presence," he added.