Anil Kapoor or Bobby Deol to play antagonist in Kartik Aaryan’s Naagzilla?

Kartik Aaryan's collaboration with Karan Johar and Mahaveer Jain for the creature comedy Naagzilla has been confirmed, and now word has it that the antagonist of the film has undergone a major casting change. Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, the director of Fukrey, will direct the actor in Naagzilla in a dual role, as previously announced. The producers are allegedly now considering Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol (who played a villain in Bichhoo and Love Hostel), two stars in their own right, for the lead antagonist role.

Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in contention for antagonist role

As per reports in Bollywood Hungama, the script of Naagzilla justifies a seasoned actor playing a character with a negative attitude. Aaryan will make the last casting call for Naagzilla after Johar, who delved into fantasy thriller with Gyaarah Gyaarah, has narrowed the field down to two actors, Kapoor and Deol. A source close to the production informed Bollywood Hungama that the antagonist for Naagzilla would be locked in a conversation between Johar, Aaryan, and Jain, and that the entire cast is being determined jointly.

Speculation has it that Naagzilla would have a fierce opponent who makes extensive use of prosthetics and visual effects. The film's fantasy-adventure plot revolves around the legend of an Icchadhari Naagin, which aligns well with the overall theme. The villain's role will be equally important to the hero's, considering the story's planned larger-than-life presentation.

Icchadhari Naagin is a story where the villains play a significant role alongside heroes. The source also said that accordingly, the crew are very picky about who they cast in the film.

Importance of villain role

Aaryan will have a significant say in selecting his onscreen antagonist, and the casting choice is expected to be finalised within the next two weeks. The makers expect to make an official announcement after finalising the lead antagonist.

One of the most talked-about Bollywood creature comedies of late, Naagzilla features a cast of A-list actors and has a high-concept plot.