Sunil Shetty Opens Up About Missed Role in Aditya Dhar's Shelved Project
In a recent candid interview, veteran actor Sunil Shetty has revealed intriguing behind-the-scenes details about filmmaker Aditya Dhar's cinematic journey. Shetty disclosed that he was originally cast in Dhar's ambitious project titled 'The Immortal Ashwatthama', which was ultimately shelved due to various production challenges.
The Shelved 'Ashwatthama' Project
Speaking with Lehren Retro, Shetty explained that the film was fully cast and ready to proceed with Vicky Kaushal in the lead role. However, budget constraints and shifting market conditions forced Aditya Dhar to cancel the project entirely. "I was supposed to play a role in Aditya's film 'Ashwatthama'," Shetty stated. "But then it got shelved. Everyone was signed, everything was done."
Praise for 'Dhurandhar' and Its Stars
Shetty expressed particular admiration for Dhar's subsequent film 'Dhurandhar', which has enjoyed both theatrical success and strong OTT viewership. The actor offered nuanced criticism of the film's performances, suggesting that while many praised Akshaye Khanna's role, he found Ranveer Singh's portrayal more compelling.
"Everyone was praising Akshaye Khanna for being the best in the film," Shetty observed. "But I felt that Aditya and Ranveer Singh were much better than him. The audience can see that Akshaye's character is built up, great, with background music, everything working in his favor. But Ranveer has none of that, yet he shines. How? Because he created his own character. With his body, his look, and especially his eyes."
Aditya Dhar's Directorial Vision
Shetty reserved special praise for Aditya Dhar's directorial approach, particularly regarding the film's substantial runtime of three hours and forty minutes. He highlighted how Dhar understood contemporary viewing habits shaped by the pandemic era.
"These days, people ask how a film can be 3 hours and 40 minutes long," Shetty noted. "But Aditya Dhar understood the audience's pulse very well. He knew that after COVID-19, people have become addicted to binge-watching. People sit for 6-7 hours and watch entire web series in one go. He thought, 'If you can sit for that long for a web series, watch it on a big screen. I'll give you an even more amazing experience.' And he truly delivered. This was all due to the director's determination and belief. Aditya Dhar's vision is truly amazing."
Industry Implications
The revelations come as 'Dhurandhar' continues to maintain viewer attention across platforms, demonstrating how director vision and audience engagement strategies are evolving in post-pandemic cinema. Shetty's insights offer a rare glimpse into the creative decisions and market realities that shape major Bollywood productions.
