Jawan: Was Samantha the first choice for the SRK-Atlee film before Nayanthara?

We had told you Atlee was making his Bollywood directorial debut with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan. The first-look teaser of the film was released recently, which had SRK’s character sporting a bandaged face as he prepares himself to take on his enemies. While the rest of the cast and crew of Jawan will be announced in the coming days, we hear Samantha was first approached for the role of the female lead. As the Rangasthalam actor turned down the offer, it eventually went to her best friend, Nayanthara. Both of them were seen in Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal (currently streaming on Disney+Hotstar.)

Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, Jawan, also featuring Priyamani and Yogi Babu, in important roles, is set to release on June 2, 2023, across five languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Interestingly, the makers had zeroed in on the title ‘Jawan’, after considering 25 other names like Lion.

Before this action entertainer's release, fans of SRK will witness him in Pathaan, which will hit the screens on January 25, next year. The film, also starring Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, is directed by Siddharth Anand.

Besides, SRK is headlining Dunki, along with Taapsee Pannu, which is directed by Rajkumar Hirani. The film is slated to release on December 22, 2023. Notably, Dunki went on floors this April with the next schedule being shot extensively in Punjab.

Jawan marks Atlee's first collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan. The former is known for his successful action flicks in Tamil cinema, with Vijay like Theri and Mersal. According to sources, Nayanthara will be playing the role of an investigator and Shahrukh Khan is said to be playing a dual role in Jawan. However, we await an official confirmation.

Speaking about the Atlee directorial, Shah Rukh Khan said in a statement, that Jawan is a universal story that goes beyond languages, and geographies and is for all to enjoy. "Credit goes to Atlee for creating this unique film, which has also been a fantastic experience for me as I love action films! The teaser is the just tip of the iceberg and gives a glimpse into what’s to come," the Badshah of Bollywood added.

Calling this moment ‘emotional’ Atlee had written on Twitter, “Feeling excited and blessed. Grew up admiring you but never imagined that I would be directing you, sir,” referring to making a film with SRK.

The much-awaited project will also see Nayanthara paired with Shah Rukh Khan for the first time.

SRK had last featured in Aanand L Rai’s Zero (2018).