More than two decades after Company released, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has opened up about an interesting casting decision that could have changed the face of the iconic gangster drama. The director recently shared that Shah Rukh Khan was his original choice to play Malik, the calm and calculating underworld don later portrayed by Ajay Devgn.
Ram Gopal Varma recalled that he had even narrated the script to SRK who showed genuine interest in the project. However, after some thought, he realised that Shah Rukh’s natural energy and charisma might not align with the quiet, cold intensity required for Malik’s character. He explained that the role demanded someone subtle and restrained, while SRK’s naturally dynamic personality made that difficult to achieve without compromising the film’s tone. RGV felt that asking Shah Rukh to suppress his energy would be unfair to both — the actor and the story.
The director added that every performer has a unique style and in his view, Shah Rukh Khan is best when allowed to express his natural flair rather than being molded into a subdued character. After just one meeting, Ram Gopal Varma sensed that the collaboration would not work, though he didn’t tell the actor at the time. Instead, he left Shah Rukh’s home, called Ajay Devgn the same day and immediately finalised him for the role. RGV said that Ajay’s calm demeanor and composed personality were a perfect fit for Malik.
The filmmaker also revealed that Abhishek Bachchan was initially considered for the role of Chandrakant “Chandru” Nagre, Malik’s protégé. However, due to prior commitments, Abhishek couldn’t take up the part, leading RGV to cast newcomer Vivek Oberoi whose performance was widely appreciated.
Written by Jaideep Sahni and directed by Ram Gopal Varma, Company featured an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Manisha Koirala, Antara Mali and Seema Biswas. Released in 2002, the film became a box-office success, earning over Rs 25 crore and serving as the second installment in RGV’s acclaimed gangster trilogy after Satya (1998).
Now, years later, Ram Gopal Varma is set to collaborate again with Satya actor Manoj Bajpayee for an upcoming horror comedy titled Police Station Mein Bhoot. While details about the project remain under wraps, the filmmaker’s latest revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative choices behind one of the most memorable crime dramas of Bollywood.
Do you think casting Ajay Devgn in place of Shah Rukh Khan was the right decision on the part of Ram Gopal Varma? Let us know your opinion in this regard.
