Premium'Not Animal, I narrated Devil to Mahesh Babu, but...', Sandeep Reddy Vanga clears air
Speculations were rife that Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, not Ranbir Kapoor, was the first choice for Animal. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has put an end to all rumours.
Last Updated: 06.39 PM, Nov 27, 2023
Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga is promoting his upcoming Hindi film Animal in the Telugu states. On Monday, he addressed a press conference in Hyderabad along with the movie's main cast and crew, including Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Madana, Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor.
Sandeep also took the opportunity to clarify speculations surrounding his shelved project with Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. After the success of Kabir Singh, the Hindi remake of the Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy, there were expectations for Sandeep to direct Mahesh in his next project. However, the anticipated collaboration did not materialize.
Amid speculation that Animal's script was initially presented to Mahesh before it eventually went to Ranbir, Sandeep clarified, "No, he (Mahesh) didn't reject the script," correcting a media person who inquired about his unrealized film with Mahesh.
"The script I narrated to Mahesh Babu was not Animal. It was titled Devil and it was more violent than Animal. It didn't just materialise," the director clarified.
However, when asked about his preferred choice if he had made Animal in Telugu, without thinking too much, he replied, "Mahesh Babu."
It's noteworthy that Animal is touted to be an extremely violent movie and the movie's recent trailer only reaffirmed this theory about the movie. Also, the film was cleared by the Indian censor board with an 'A' certificate, making it suitable for grown-ups only. In the UK, the film was rated 18, describing it as a "strong bloody violence."
After Animal, Sandeep has two big projects lined up with Telugu superstars. He will direct Allu Arjun in an untitled film and Prabhas in the movie named Spirit.
Sandeep earlier revealed that in Spirit, Prabhas will essay the role of a fearless cop. It's expected to go on the floors next.
In the meantime, Animal is due in cinemas on December 1.