Sandeep Reddy Vanga wanted to cast Parineeti Chopra in 'Animal', 'Kabir Singh'

Controversial filmmaker reveals Bollywood actor felt 'bad' about his decision of not casting her in popular films

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal is still soaring at the box office, almost a month post its release. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in pivotal roles, marking their first collaboration. 

However, interestingly, the initial choice for Mandanna's role was Indian actor Parineeti Chopra. During a conversation with Komal Nahta, the director unveiled this detail, mentioning that Parineeti had some initial reservations upon learning about his decision.

The controversial director said, "It's my fault. I told her to forgive me. I signed her [Parineeti Chopra] one and a half years before the shoot and for some reason, I didn’t see Geetanjali in her. Kuch kuch characters kuch kuch logo ko set nahi hota hai (Some things are not meant to be).”

He went on to add, “I don't believe in auditions. I go with my instinct only. That I know. From day one I have liked her acting and I always wanted to cast her as Preeti also in Kabir Singh but hua nahi uss time (it did not work out). That’s long due. I always wanted to work with her. I told her and she also knows that. I told her, ‘Sorry, nothing is bigger than the film. So I’m taking this decision and going ahead with another artist.’ She felt bad but she understood why I was saying that."

Despite receiving mixed reviews from both critics and a segment of the audience, Animal stands tall as one of the most financially successful Bollywood films of 2023. Hitting screens on December 1, the film has surpassed the INR5 billion mark at the Indian box office. The director has recently confirmed a sequel named Animal Park, which he said will be meaner and darker than its predecessor. The upcoming installment is reported to feature Ranbir in a double role.

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