The director of Loving Pablo Fernando Leon de Aranoa said the on-screen chemistry of the leading pair, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz was “very intense” in the Spanish film.

Bardem plays Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar and Cruz portrays the role of journalist Virginia Vallejo, who have a love affair.

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The 41-year-old filmmaker said choosing the real-life couple was an intentional choice as the two actors are “exceptional” in their craft, reported Variety.

“Both characters are exceptional. For Escobar and Vallejo, it was a must to have two exceptional actors such as Javier and Penelope for characters that embark towards different abysses. It’s been very intense.

“We all know one other very well. This helped, although we were frightened about the work. I worked with Javier (‘Mondays in the Sun’ in 2002) many years ago. I found an actor with greater experience but the original enthusiasm and commitment,” Aranoa said.

Loving Pablo marks the reunion of Bardem and Cruz, whose last outing together was Vicky Christina Barcelone.