Merry Christmas: Sriram Raghavan reveals why he replaced Saif Ali Khan with Vijay Sethupathi

Sriram Raghavan's announcement of the cast for Merry Christmas, starring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, stirred interest due to its unconventional pairing. In a recent interview, Raghavan expressed his excitement about the cast selection process, shedding light on an intriguing casting decision involving Saif Ali Khan.

The pursuit of uniqueness in casting

Raghavan aimed for a distinctive pairing, stating the necessity for an unblemished canvas without any preconceived notions. He emphasized the need for a fresh perspective, a factor that led to the decision to bypass Saif Ali Khan, who had initially shown interest in the male lead role. Raghavan's vision for the film demanded an unconventional pairing that would intrigue audiences without any associated baggage from the actors' previous collaborations.

Saif Ali Khan's Reaction and Director's Dilemma

When Raghavan conveyed his decision to Saif, the actor expressed disappointment as he had not yet finalized Vijay Sethupathi for the role. At that juncture, Raghavan was searching for a new face, confessing uncertainty about the exact attributes he sought. Exploring various options, he deliberated over another actor but eventually found a fresh perspective after witnessing Vijay Sethupathi's performance in the 2018 film '96.'

The emergence of an oddball combination

Upon encountering Vijay Sethupathi at an event in Melbourne, Raghavan seized the opportunity to gauge the actor's suitability for the role. Sethupathi's prior experience in Dubai, coupled with his interaction with Raghavan, prompted the director's interest, leading to his inclusion in Merry Christmas. Raghavan envisaged an unconventional yet intriguing combination with Katrina and Vijay, acknowledging the inherent curiosity that stemmed from their collaboration, and offering an unpredictable and engaging narrative canvas.

Raghavan's quest for novelty and a fresh perspective in storytelling culminated in the unique pairing of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, shaping the film Merry Christmas into an enigmatic cinematic venture set to captivate audiences with its unexpected charm and unconventional storytelling.