MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan says he had approached his friends Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra to direct his mega-budget Ra.One but they chickened out.

"I went to all directors to make this film (RA.One) and even my own friends like Karan or Aditya. They all are ‘lallu’ (idiots) I say. I wanted to do something more than a romantic comedy," said Khan.

Khan, who plays a superhero in the film which is releasing 26 October, is hoping for positive things for the project.

"I have been informed that I am officially broke and Ra.One has turned out to be one of the most expensive films. If this film does well, it will go down the history and will be remembered. I am glad I have bought something to India which has never been seen before… I am very inspired by Krrish and Drona," he said.

Ra.One also stars Arjun Rampal and Kareena Kapoor, with a cameo by superstar Rajinikanth and a special voiceover by Amitabh Bachchan. It has been directed by Anubhav Sinha.