2019 movie 'Kabir Singh' created a huge uproar on social media post its release. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film starred Shahid Kapoor as Kabir Singh and Kiara Advani played Preeti, his on-screen love interest. Shahid's character was highly criticised especially for slapping Kiara in one of the scenes. Also, the film and the director faced severe backlash for showing 'misogyny' and 'toxic masculinity'. Sandeep Reddy, currently gearing up for his upcoming release, 'Animal' revealed in an interview that Shahid was not the first choice for 'Kabir Singh'. Yes, you read that right! He said Ranveer Singh was his first choice. 'Kabir Singh' was the remake of the Telugu blockbuster 'Arjun Reddy' starring Vijay Deverakonda.
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Sandeep told iDream Media that he was continuously getting calls from Mumbai to do the remake of 'Arjun Reddy' and first it was pitched to Ranveer as he wanted to do it with him. But Singh decided not to do it because it was too dark for him at that time. The director then thought the remake would also not work out, so, he shifted his focus to a different Telugu film.
He also revealed that it would have been a 'big shame' if 'Kabir Singh' hadn't worked. Sandeep added Shahid was offered the role after Ranveer rejected it. “Shahid’s track record was a concern; none of his solo films had done Rs 100 crore then, his highest was Rs 65 crore. They used to say Rs 55 crore, Rs 65 crore is the kind of business Telugu movies do. ‘Why are you doing it with this guy? If it was Ranveer, the box office would be higher’,'' he added.
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The 'Animal' director also said that he was always sure about Shahid and called him a 'fantastic actor'.
Vanga also shared that 'Kabir Singh' grossed around Rs 380 crore globally.
Talking about his much-awaited release, 'Animal', it is all set to set the screens on fire on December 1. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in pivotal roles.
