In a surprising revelation, acclaimed filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has disclosed that Bollywood star Ranveer Singh was the original first choice for the lead role in the blockbuster film 'Kabir Singh'. This news comes as Vanga's current directorial venture, starring Ranveer Singh titled 'Dhurandhar', continues its record-breaking spree at the box office.
The Original Pitch to Ranveer Singh
During a recent interview with iDream Media, Vanga shared details about the initial casting process for the Hindi remake of his Telugu hit 'Arjun Reddy'. He confirmed that after receiving numerous calls from Mumbai to helm the remake, he was keen to collaborate with Ranveer Singh. The project was officially pitched to the actor, who was then the filmmaker's preferred choice to portray the intense character of Kabir Singh.
However, the collaboration did not materialize. Vanga explained that Ranveer Singh ultimately decided to turn down the role. The director quoted the actor's reason, stating it was "too dark for him at that time." Vanga also elaborated on the inherent pressures and risks involved in remaking a film that already had a massive fan following in its original language.
Shahid Kapoor's Entry and Initial Skepticism
Following Ranveer's refusal, the spotlight turned to Shahid Kapoor. Vanga candidly shared that this decision was met with considerable skepticism from certain quarters within the industry. A primary concern was Shahid Kapoor's box office track record at the time, as his solo films had not yet crossed the coveted Rs 100 crore mark.
"They would say, 'If it was Ranveer, the box office would be higher,'" Vanga recalled hearing. Despite the external doubts, the director's conviction in Shahid never wavered. He asserted, "But I was always sure about Shahid. He’s a fantastic actor." This faith proved to be well-founded, as Shahid Kapoor delivered a career-defining performance.
The Meteoric Success of Kabir Singh
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani in lead roles, 'Kabir Singh' was released in cinemas on June 21, 2019. The film sparked a nationwide conversation, with a section of the audience and critics labeling it as misogynistic for its portrayal of a toxic, self-destructive protagonist.
Despite the controversy, or perhaps partly because of it, the film resonated powerfully with audiences. It defied all expectations and skepticism to achieve monumental commercial success. 'Kabir Singh' went on to earn a staggering sum of over Rs 350 crore at the worldwide box office, cementing its status as one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of that year.
The film's success story underscores a classic Bollywood narrative where a director's unwavering belief in an actor, combined with a polarizing narrative, can lead to unprecedented box office results, rewriting star equations and career trajectories in the process.
