Ram Gopal Varma Discloses Shah Rukh Khan as Original Choice for ‘Company’ Before Ajay Devgn
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently revealed that Shah Rukh Khan was his first choice for the role of Malik in his acclaimed 2002 gangster film, Company. However, after a single meeting with the superstar, Varma opted for Ajay Devgn instead. In a candid interview, he explained the reasoning behind his decision, highlighting the contrasting acting styles of the two actors.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Initial Interest
In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Ram Gopal Varma shared that he initially approached Shah Rukh Khan to play the character of Malik. Varma narrated the film’s story to Khan, who expressed interest in the role. However, Varma felt that Khan’s vibrant energy and dynamic body language would not align with the character’s subtle and laid-back demeanor. He stated, “To make Shah Rukh still would be an injustice to both him and the film.” This insight led Varma to reconsider his casting choice after just one meeting with the actor.
Choosing Ajay Devgn
Following his meeting with Khan, Varma quickly recognized that Ajay Devgn would be a better fit for the role of Malik. He noted that Devgn’s calm and composed acting style suited the character’s requirements perfectly. Varma emphasized the difference in acting approaches, stating, “I think there’s a performing actor and then there’s an actor.” He believed that forcing Khan into a role that did not match his natural style would not yield the best results. Consequently, Varma contacted Devgn immediately after leaving Khan’s residence and finalized him for the role.
Success of *Company* and Casting Choices
*Company*, which is the second installment in Varma’s gangster trilogy, achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. The film grossed Rs 25.02 crores against a budget of Rs 9.5 crores. It also marked the Hindi cinema debut of renowned actor Mohanlal. In addition to Devgn, Vivek Oberoi was cast as Chandru after Abhishek Bachchan was unavailable due to prior commitments. Varma’s casting decisions played a significant role in the film’s overall impact and success.
Upcoming Projects and New Ventures
Looking ahead, Ram Gopal Varma is set to collaborate once again with Manoj Bajpayee on a new project titled *Police Station Mein Bhoot*, a horror comedy. The film’s intriguing premise revolves around a police station that becomes haunted following a deadly encounter, forcing officers to confront the vengeful spirits of slain gangsters. Varma teased the concept by stating, “We run to the police when scared, but where will the police run to when they get scared?” Details regarding the film’s release and additional cast members remain under wraps, but anticipation is already building among fans.
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