
Abhishek, Vicky were not the first choices for 'Manmarziyaan'
What's the story
Kanika Dhillon's film Manmarziyaan, starring Taapsee Pannu, Abhishek Bachchan, and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles, wasn't meant to be for its current cast.
According to News18, in a recent interview, Dhillon disclosed that the film had started with a different bunch of actors who dropped out because they were uncomfortable with their characters.
Nevertheless, the film made it to the theaters and received accolades and love from cinephiles.
Challenges
Dhillon's struggle to get 'Manmarziyaan' greenlit
Dhillon opened up about the difficulties she faced in getting Manmarziyaan made.
"To find a voice in the industry is the first big step that you have to take as a writer. I was working on Manmarziyaan when I wasn't that strong," she said, as quoted by SCREEN.
"It took me 4-5 years to get the film greenlit, write it, re-write it, groom it, and find people to make it," she added.
Production hurdles
'Manmarziyaan's production: A journey of rewrites and casting challenges
Dhillon revealed that the journey of Manmarziyaan was a tough one, with several rewrites and casting problems.
"Manmarziyaan started and it stopped in between, and then it restarted with a different set of actors," she revealed.
She claimed that many actors were hesitant to take on the roles, as they were unsure whether the audience would accept such unconventional characters.
The dynamic of a supportive husband and a commitment-phobic boyfriend seemed too risky to some, adding to the casting challenges.
Casting success
'Manmarziyaan's cast and crew details
Manmarziyaan wasn't just another love story—it was a deep dive into the complexities of love, choices, and emotional turmoil.
Set in Amritsar, the film explored a passionate love triangle, with Bachchan and Kaushal starring alongside Pannu.
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the film struck a chord with its raw storytelling and soulful music. Premiering at TIFF before its theatrical release, it earned praise for its performances and modern take on relationships.