Mahesh Babu’s Refusal: The Story Behind Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the director known for the blockbuster “Kabir Singh,” is all set to release his next film, “Animal.” However, did you know that his first choice for the lead role wasn’t Ranbir Kapoor, but the Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu?
Initially, Sandeep Reddy Vanga had grand plans for “Animal.” He wanted to make it in Telugu and had Mahesh Babu in mind to play the protagonist. But things took a different turn, and here’s the inside scoop on why Mahesh Babu turned down the opportunity.
“Animal,” which eventually found its way into Hindi cinema with Ranbir Kapoor in the lead, was originally conceived for the Telugu audience. Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the director with a penchant for intense narratives, had initially approached Mahesh Babu for the role. However, Mahesh Babu politely declined the offer, paving the way for Ranbir Kapoor to step into the spotlight.
So, what was the reason behind Mahesh Babu’s refusal? It all boils down to the film’s dark and gritty theme. “Animal” promises to be a hard-hitting and intense movie, a departure from Mahesh Babu’s usual repertoire of films. The actor believed that such a dark and intense storyline wouldn’t resonate with his primary audience, and he personally felt it was too dark for his taste as well.
With the release of the “Animal” teaser, it becomes clear why Mahesh Babu opted out of the project. His recent filmography didn’t venture into such dark territories, and “Animal” appears to be heading into uncharted waters.
Interestingly, when Sandeep Reddy Vanga initially pitched the film to Mahesh Babu, it was named “Devil.” Since then, there has been a title change, and the movie is now eagerly anticipated by fans under its new moniker, “Animal.” Notably, Mahesh Babu’s co-star from “Sarileru Neekevvaru,” Rashmika Mandanna, is also part of this highly anticipated project.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, while discussing his admiration for Mahesh Babu, shared his thoughts on working with the Telugu superstar. He recalled their previous collaboration on an advertisement, praising Mahesh Babu’s dedication and focus during the shoot. Sandeep Reddy Vanga was impressed by the way Mahesh Babu communicated and carried himself, highlighting that he is more than meets the eye. Vanga believes that Mahesh Babu possesses unique qualities that are not often seen in his films, and this fascination has solidified his desire to collaborate with the actor in the future.