Merry Christmas Director Reveals Saif Ali Khan’s Interest

The casting process for the upcoming film “Merry Christmas” has taken an interesting turn, as director Sriram Raghavan recently disclosed that actor Saif Ali Khan had expressed interest in a role before Vijay Sethupathi was cast.

In a revealing interview with Pinkvilla, Sriram shared insights into his vision for the film, emphasizing the need for a unique pairing that wouldn’t carry any preconceived baggage. He mentioned meeting another actor who was keen on the role, and though Sriram appreciated the interest, he ultimately had to turn down none other than Saif Ali Khan.

During the interview, Katrina Kaif, who is part of the film’s unusual pairing with Vijay Sethupathi, expressed curiosity about the actor Sriram had declined. Sriram then confirmed, “Yes, I can tell you. It was Saif Ali Khan!”

The director explained that his decision to decline Saif Ali Khan’s interest was driven by the desire for a fresh and distinctive pairing, a choice made before Vijay Sethupathi was cast in the role. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the behind-the-scenes dynamics of “Merry Christmas.”

The film, set to feature Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles, promises to deliver a captivating narrative with a unique on-screen chemistry. As audiences eagerly await the release, the revelation about Saif Ali Khan’s initial interest has undoubtedly become a talking point, shedding light on the director’s commitment to bringing freshness to the project.

Sriram’s inclination toward something “fresh” and his uncertainty about what he was looking for led him to decline Saif Ali Khan’s interest at that particular juncture in the film’s development. This decision, though met with initial disappointment from Saif, ultimately paved the way for the unique pairing of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi.

The revelation underscores the director’s commitment to creative exploration and his willingness to make choices that align with the narrative requirements of the film. Saif Ali Khan’s interest in the project, coupled with Sriram’s decision-making process, adds an intriguing layer to the film’s backstory, leaving audiences even more curious about the on-screen magic that the final casting choice is set to deliver in “Merry Christmas.” As the film continues to generate buzz, the dynamics behind the scenes only enhance the anticipation for this unconventional cinematic venture.