Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) recently revealed that Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) was his initial choice for the lead role of Malik in the 2002 gangster film, Company. However, after a single meeting with the actor, Varma opted to cast Ajay Devgn instead.
In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Varma explained that SRK was interested in the role after he narrated the story to him. However, Varma felt that SRK's naturally energetic body language and lively personality wouldn't align with the subtle, laid-back, and cold-minded character of Malik. He felt that asking SRK to suppress his natural energy would be an injustice to both the actor and the film. Varma said that SRK has a naturally vibrant personality, and he realized asking him to suppress that would be unfair to both him and the film.
Varma emphasized the difference in acting styles, describing SRK as a "performing actor" who should be left to himself. He believed that directors trying to make SRK fit into a different kind of character wouldn't work. In contrast, he found Ajay Devgn naturally suited for the role due to his calm and quiet intensity. Varma stated that Ajay doesn't need to say much; his presence speaks volumes.
Following his decision, Varma contacted Devgn immediately after leaving Khan's residence and finalized him for the role. He also revealed that he never told SRK about his decision at the time.
Interestingly, Abhishek Bachchan was also considered for the role of Chandru before Vivek Oberoi was cast. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Varma opted for Oberoi, a newcomer at the time.
Company, starring Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, and Mohanlal, was a critical and commercial success. The film grossed ₹25.02 crores against a budget of ₹9.5 crores and was the second installment in Varma's gangster trilogy. The film is celebrated as one of Bollywood's finest gangster dramas, exploring the inner workings of the Mumbai underworld and the volatile relationship between two gangsters. Its success cemented Varma's reputation as a master of the crime genre.
