Post by : Meena
Hassan
Ajay Devgn's portrayal in Ram Gopal Varma's acclaimed gangster film Company has drawn significant praise. However, it has come to light that Shah Rukh Khan was initially approached for the role, showing interest at the time.
Varma shared insights into his casting choices, stating, “At first, I thought of casting Shah Rukh Khan. I presented the story to him, and he was keen. Yet, I felt his vibrant body language didn't align with the character's essence, which demanded a more composed and thoughtful demeanor. Shah Rukh's energetic persona could overshadow the subtleties of Malik’s character. Forcing him into a restrained role would have been unfair to both him and the film.”
He continued, “There’s a distinction between a performing actor and simply an actor. Both have their merits; it's just different styles of acting. An actor like Shah Rukh thrives in roles that suit his natural flair. Directors attempting to mold him into a contrasting character may find it challenging. Ajay, with his inherent calmness, was a perfect fit for the part, leading me to finalize the casting after just one meeting with SRK, during which it became clear he wasn’t the right match, though I kept that to myself.”
Post-discussion with Shah Rukh, RGV promptly contacted Ajay Devgn to confirm his selection. Initially, Abhishek Bachchan was considered for the part of Chandrakant “Chandru” Nagre, but due to scheduling conflicts, newcomer Vivek Oberoi was eventually cast.
Company, which featured an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, Manisha Koirala, Antara Mali, and Seema Biswas, served as the second film in Varma’s gangster trilogy, succeeding Satya (1998). The film was notably successful, earning ₹25.02 crore against a budget of ₹9.5 crore.
Looking forward, RGV is teaming up again with Manoj Bajpayee for an upcoming horror comedy titled Police Station Mein Bhoot. He humorously remarked, “When frightened, we turn to the police for help, but where would they seek refuge when fear strikes them? After a deadly confrontation, a police station transforms into a haunted hub, where officers scramble to escape the ghosts of former gangsters.” Further details about the cast and release date are yet to be disclosed.
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