Anurag Kashyap wanted Manju, Nayanthara for 'Sacred Games'
What's the story
Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently revealed that he had pitched the names of South Indian actors Manju Warrier and Nayanthara for roles in the popular Netflix series Sacred Games. However, the casting suggestions didn't come to fruition.
In an interview with Film Companion, he revealed that he had pitched Warrier for the character of R&AW agent Kusum Devi Yadav, played by Amruta Subhash in Season 2.
Casting process
'We gave them 3 options...'
Elaborating on the casting process, Kashyap said, "We were trying to get her (Warrier) for Amrita Subhash's role... Different language actor... We were auditioning for Sacred Games. We gave them (Netflix) three options. We gave them an option of her, Nayanthara, and one more person."
He also clarified that at that time, Netflix didn't have an India office, and all decisions were being made from the US.
Market focus
'Their choices are always based on algorithms...'
Further, he added, "And at that time, OTT was not looking at South films. They were not looking at the South market. They wanted an actress to be picked up from where their market is. It was limited to Maharashtra or anywhere."
"Their choices are always based on algorithms where they are getting subscribers."
Professional bond
Kashyap's association with Warrier and future projects
Kashyap also spoke about his professional relationship with Warrier, which goes back to around 2013.
He said they have mutual friends such as Geetu Mohandas and Rajeev Ravi, and the same birthday.
Recently, Warrier asked him for feedback on her film Footage before its Hindi market release.
Meanwhile, Kashyap said he is thrilled about his upcoming film Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, which will be released this year.
Personal insights
Kashyap's move to the South and stance on dubbing
In the same interview, Kashyap also revealed that he moved from Mumbai to the South for privacy reasons. He said his health has improved since the move.
On a different note, he mentioned he prefers watching South Indian films with subtitles instead of dubbed ones, saying, "Dubs are very bad."
He even approached a dubbing agency for Footage, insisting it should be treated like a Hindi film and not like a dubbed one. Kashyap is presenting its Hindi version.