Ranveer Singh, who is known for his versatile and energetic performances, was the first choice of director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for his Hindi remake of Arjun Reddy, titled Kabir Singh. The original Arjun Reddy, starring Vijay Deverakonda, emerged as a massive hit, making over Rs 50 crore against a budget of less than Rs 3 crore. However, the actor rejected the offer.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga revealed this in a recent interview, where he also shared how he faced difficulties in finding a suitable actor for the role of Kabir Singh, a self-destructive surgeon who spirals into alcoholism and drug abuse after losing his love. He said that he approached Ranveer Singh, who had liked Arjun Reddy, but was not keen on playing such a dark character.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga wanted to make second film with Mahesh Babu
Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared that after his film Arjun Reddy became a huge hit, he went to Mahesh Babu for his second film. But as Mahesh Babu has signed another film, the filmmaker decided to make a Hindi version of Arjun Reddy. He said, “I was continuously getting calls from Mumbai to do the remake. First, it was pitched to Ranveer Singh. I wanted to do it with him. But finally, he decided he will not do it, because it was too dark for him at that time.” He also added that he thought the remake would also not work out. Hence he focused on a different Telugu film.
Sandeep reveals he was told that Shahid is not a bankable star
The director then approached Shahid Kapoor, who agreed to do the film. However, Sandeep said that he was warned by many people in the industry that Shahid was not a bankable star and that his track record was not good. He said that he was told that Shahid would not be able to carry the film on his shoulders and that he should look for someone else.
He said Shahid was offered the role after Ranveer rejected it. “Shahid’s track record was a concern; none of his solo films had done ₹100 crore then, his highest was ₹65 crore. They used to say ₹55 crore, ₹65 crore is the kind of business Telugu movies do. ‘Why are you doing it with this guy? If it was Ranveer, the box office would be higher’. But I was always sure about Shahid, he’s a fantastic actor,” he said.
Sandeep’s faith in Shahid paid off, as Kabir Singh emerged as a massive hit. Vanga said that it cost around Rs 36 crore to produce, and ultimately grossed Rs 380 crore worldwide. The film also received critical acclaim for Shahid’s performance, which was hailed as one of his best. Sandeep said that he was happy that Shahid proved everyone wrong and delivered a memorable performance.
Sandeep is now promoting his next film, Animal, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna. The film is slated to release on December 1, 2023. Sandeep said that Animal is a different and intense story that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. He also said that Ranbir’s character in Animal is similar to Kabir Singh in some aspects, but more relatable and human.
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