At the Shaitaan trailer launch, Ajay Devgn and R Madhavan were asked if they ever thought about swapping their role before the film went on floors
Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan Pic/Yogen Shah
The makers of ‘Shaitaan’ launched its menacing trailer on Thursday in the presence of its cast members Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyothika. Directed by Vikas Bahl, the film revolves around the subject of ‘Vashikaran’ - a ritual performed by casting a spell on someone to gain control of their soul and use them as a puppet to perform desired actions. In the film, Ajay and Jyothika play a married couple. They encounter Madhavan, who casts a spell on their daughter. The parents try to fight against this unusual antagonist who is hell-bent on taking their girl away.
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As the team interacted with the media during the event, Ajay, who has also co-produced the film was asked why he did not essay the role of the antagonist instead of Madhavan referring to his role in ‘Kaal’ (2005), to which he said, “When we started shooting, the first thing Maddy said was ‘Why aren’t you doing this role? Why have you given it to me?’ I told him I felt for the father's character, so I would not be able to do justice to the other character, it’s a much stronger character though. But the character I connect with, I wanted to play that.”
Madhavan, who was standing beside him asserted that he was about to make a big statement and said, “I have been in the industry long enough to know. I have been a huge fan of Ajay Sir’s work. I did not have much time to interact with him before the movie. I’ve been a huge fan of how he emotes subtly in the kind of roles that he does. Even during the publicity he doesn’t take any credit, walks away, and keeps doing his work. But now I can tell you, the real Singham in the industry is this man. The film is over. I have nothing to gain from this. But when I asked him why he wasn’t doing this role with more masala, he said what he said.”
Madhavan added, “When we shot this film the title was not decided. I kept asking and didn’t know how much this character would be given importance. When you see the teaser, it is about my character. The trailer also has Shaitaan highlighted. I think to be courageous, to have a heart and maturity with the industry and with work one has to be in love with it to give away an opportunity of this magnitude. He gave me such a big role. I only hope and pray that I can do justice to the kindness that has been shown to me by Ajay Sir and his team.”
‘Shaitaan’ will be released in the theatres on March 8.