Hollywood's versatile actor Tom Hanks, who plays six different characters in "Cloud Altas", terms the film "cinematic literature". He also admits that making the transition from one character to another was a challenge for him.

The story of the film, which released Friday, spans 500 years and explores the interconnectedness of the human race. It is an epic story of humankind in which the actions and consequences impact one another throughout the past, present and future.

It also features Halle Berry and Hugh Grant.

"The film runs into many years. And the transition is so smooth. Each story is so swiftly connected with the other. But there were a couple of challenges too like change from one character to the other," Hanks told IANS in an email interview from Los Angeles.

A lot of work went into giving each character an authentic look.

"There was a lot of makeup detailing that all of us had to go through during the shoot. Like we used prosthetic noses, wore wigs and a lot of makeup," Hanks said.

The American actor made his Hollywood debut in 1980 with "He Knows You're Alone" and went on to do films like "Apollo 13", "The Green Mile", "You've Got Mail", "Charlie Wilson's War", "Forest Gump", "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels & Demons".

Hanks' latest release has been helmed by three directors - Lana and Andy Wachowski and Tom Tykwer - and the actor feels all three have turned a complex movie into a great watch.

"Everyone I spoke to about this story said, 'Oh my God! Six stories'. As if rules have never been broken before. Andy, Lana and Tom have broken some rules in every one of their movies. They are fabulous," the 56-year-old said.

"When you watch this movie, you will not need to come with a pencil and take down notes to understand it. It is the work of these three directors that make this complex movie a great watch. It was absolutely fantastic and amazing working with them," Hanks added.

"Cloud Atlas" is cinematic literature, he says.

" 'Cloud Atlas' was a piece of cinematic literature because it was brilliant fun, but very, very hard work on occasion. We had to go through some introspection to get to the moments that are very well highlighted in both the book and the screenplay," Hanks added.

"I had started reading the book but then had to put it aside for some reason. But then, I got the script and after I went through it, I started reading the book again," he said.

The actor is now busy with a new film and hopes to visit India soon.

"I'm currently working on 'Saving Mr. Banks'. And I am looking forward to visiting India soon," he said.