Just a couple of days ago, Yash Raj Films hosted a grand trailer launch for the Akshay Kumar – Manushi Chhillar starrer Prithviraj. Directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, the historical drama has been making headlines since its announcement. Now as we near the release of the film, Bollywood Hungama has learnt that Akshay was not the first choice; instead, the film’s director was considering Sunny Deol the lead the cast!

Sharing details on the casting of the film, an industry source reveals, “Sunny Deol was Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s first choice for the role of Prithviraj Chauhan. When they were shooting Mohalla Assi in Varanasi five years ago, Dwivedi and Deol had long discussions on Prithivraj.” Revealing further, the source continues, “In their discussions Dwivedi and Deol covered a lot of topics about the film and the character, from what the final look and feel should be to the character’s dialect and mannerisms. They had even discussed the look and voice-quality of the character.”

When asked, the source revealed the reason Dwivedi opted to forgo Sunny Deol in the lead for Prithviraj. “Everything was on track with Sunny leading the cast. Then, with Yash Raj Films entering the picture, things changed. As per the YRF mandate, they wanted a more saleable hero than Sunny Deol, who also comes with a proven record of accomplishment. It was this decision that ultimately led to Deol being replaced.”

As for the film, Prithviraj directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi and backed by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films is set to release in theatres on June 3, 2022 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood and Manav Vij in pivotal roles.

Also Read: Prithviraj Trailer Launch: “We had recorded a special musical track for Akshay Kumar. We used to play that music for him when he would walk from his vanity van to the sets of Prithviraj” – Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi

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At a press meet in Hyderabad when Mahesh Babu was asked why he hasn’t worked in a Hindi the Telugu superstar winking replied that Bollywood can’t afford him. He was heard saying, “I may sound arrogant, but I did get a lot of offers in Hindi. But I think they can’t afford me. I don’t want to waste my time. With the stardom and love I have here in Telugu cinema, I never thought of going to another industry. I always thought I will do films here and they will become bigger, and my belief is turning into a reality now. I can’t be happier.”

The comments immediately became controversial with trolls excoriating Mahesh Babu for his seeming arrogance. However, the affable superstar sets the record straight. “It was all said in a light-hearted way. Does anyone seriously think I’d comment about fees at a public place? And how would I know how much Bollywood pays to its actors to say something like this seriously?”

So is he open to Bollywood offers? “Of course! I’d love to do a Hindi film. In fact, I’d like to do films in as many languages as possible. But Telugu cinema will always remain my priority.”

In fact, Mahesh Babu’s Hindi debut is closer than his fans imagine, S S Rajamouli will direct Mahesh Babu in a film that will be a Hindi-Telugu-Tamil tri-lingual.

Also Read: Boney Kapoor and Ram Gopal Varma react to Mahesh Babu’s comment on ‘Bollywood can’t afford him’

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