Ram Gopal Varma Reveals Why Ajay Devgn Replaced Shah Rukh Khan in Company

Insight into Varma’s Casting Decision

Director Ram Gopal Varma recently shared intriguing insights about his iconic film *Company*. Initially, he approached Shah Rukh Khan for the lead role, and Khan expressed interest. However, Varma ultimately chose to cast Ajay Devgn, and the reasons for this shift are quite revealing.

Why the Pivot to Ajay Devgn?

In his recent interview, Ram Gopal Varma elaborated on his pivotal choice. He mentioned, “Initially, my instinct was to cast Shah Rukh Khan. He was interested after hearing the story. However, I realized that his energetic persona clashed with the character’s essence.” Varma envisioned the character N Mallik as more subdued and calculated.

He continued, “Shah Rukh’s natural charisma would overshadow the subtleties of the role. To force him into a quieter demeanor would be an injustice.” This realization, he noted, came after just one meeting with Khan.

Finalizing the Cast

After concluding his meeting with Shah Rukh, Varma promptly contacted Ajay Devgn and confirmed him for the role. Interestingly, he had initially considered Abhishek Bachchan for another prominent character but opted for Vivek Oberoi instead, as Bachchan was tied up with other projects.

About *Company*

*Company*, directed by Ram Gopal Varma and penned by Jaideep Sahni, is a landmark gangster drama. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Mohanlal, Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, and Manisha Koirala. It marks Mohanlal’s entry into Hindi cinema and is the second installment in Varma’s gangster trilogy, following *Satya* (1998). The film was a financial success, earning ₹25.02 crore against a budget of ₹9.5 crore.

Upcoming Projects from Ram Gopal Varma

Looking ahead, Varma is set to collaborate with Manoj Bajpayee on a horror-comedy titled *Police Station Mein Bhoot*. The film promises a unique storyline where a police station transitions into a haunted site. However, details regarding the release date remain undisclosed.

What are your thoughts on Varma’s casting choices? Do you think Ajay Devgn was the right fit for *Company*? Feel free to share your views!