Not Vijay Deverakonda but THESE TWO actors were the initial choices for Sandeep Vanga’s Arjun Reddy

Sandeep Reddy Vanga's debut Telugu film Arjun Reddy released in 2017 and became a sensation, eventually getting remade in Hindi as Kabir Singh in 2019. Love it or loathe it, this blockbuster had audiences worldwide immersed in debates about the central character, Arjun Reddy, skillfully portrayed by Vijay Deverakonda.

About Arjun Reddy

Vijay's depiction of the arrogant and rebellious young surgeon, Arjun Reddy, left an indelible mark. The film takes viewers on a rollercoaster journey, revealing Arjun's college days and the self-destructive path he takes after losing the love of his life, Preethi. Today, Arjun Reddy is synonymous with Vijay Deverakonda.

However, unknown to many director Sandeep Reddy Vanga envisioned a different lead initially. After witnessing Sharwanand's performance in Vennela, Sandeep was keen on casting him for the role. Sharwanand addressed the same and revealed to Deccan Chronicle once, "Sandeep narrated the story to me first. He wanted to produce the film, but I felt it was a big responsibility for him. Unfortunately, due to perceived risks, I couldn't take up the project."

Not just Sharwanand but Sandeep also wished for casting Allu Arjun in Arjun Reddy

Sandeep Reddy Vanga in another recent interview shared that he also considered Allu Arjun for the pivotal role. Recalling a story pitch in 2011, Sandeep shared with a media portal, “I wanted Allu Arjun in my debut film. I narrated a story to him in 2011, but the project didn't materialise. Later, when I wanted to approach him for Arjun Reddy, circumstances didn't allow it. ”

After these two actors rejected Arjun Reddy, the role eventually went in Vijay Deverekonda’s kitty and the actor aced it smoothly.

For those who don’t know, even Shahid Kapoor wasn’t the first choice for Arjun Reddy’s Hindi remake Kabir Singh. The movie was originally crafted keeping actor Ranveer Singh in mind but he rejected it calling it “too dark” for him.