Sandeep Reddy Vanga Says Ranveer Singh Was First Choice for Kabir Singh, Claims Film Could Have Earned More at Box Office

Mumbai, January 3:
Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has revealed that Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh was his initial choice for the lead role in Kabir Singh, before the film eventually starred Shahid Kapoor and went on to become one of the biggest commercial successes in Hindi cinema. Speaking about the casting process, Vanga said he believed Ranveer Singh’s intense screen presence and uninhibited acting style would have taken the film’s box office performance to an even higher level. The director noted that Ranveer’s ability to fully immerse himself into complex and volatile characters made him a strong contender for the role of the troubled surgeon portrayed in the film.

Vanga clarified that while Shahid Kapoor delivered a powerful and memorable performance that resonated strongly with audiences, his original vision involved casting Ranveer Singh due to the actor’s raw energy and mass appeal. “If it was him, the box office would be higher,” the director remarked, highlighting his belief in Ranveer’s commercial pull and fearless approach to challenging roles. Kabir Singh, despite polarising opinions over its themes, emerged as a massive box office hit and significantly boosted Shahid Kapoor’s career. Vanga’s remarks have since sparked fresh debate among fans and industry observers over how casting choices influence a film’s reception and commercial success, especially for intense, character-driven narratives.