Sukumar’s ambitious Pushpa franchise, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, has taken five years to come to life. The first part, Pushpa: The Rise, was released in 2021, and the sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, is slated for a 2025 release. These characters have become so iconic that it’s now difficult to imagine anyone else portraying them. However, actor Nara Rohith recently revealed in an interview with M9 News that he was originally considered for the role eventually played by Fahadh Faasil-Bhanwar Singh Shekawat.
Rohith confirmed that discussions had taken place during the early stages of the project. He explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he posted a few photos featuring a moustache. This led to initial conversations with producer Ravi Shankar and director Sukumar. But as the project’s size and scope changed, the company chose to cast Fahadh Faasil in the part. Rohith added that while he was genuinely interested, he’s uncertain whether he could have delivered the same performance. He admitted that after seeing Fahadh’s portrayal, he was thoroughly impressed and felt the role had been executed exceptionally well.
The character of Bhanwar Singh Shekawat is portrayed as the main antagonist, a police officer who is deeply casteist and obsessed with dismantling the red sanders smuggling operation led by Allu Arjun’s character. IIt is interesting to note that Fahadh Faasil himself was conflicted about the position. In a 2024 interview with Film Companion, he stated that he didn’t feel the film added much to his career and openly shared this sentiment with Sukumar.
Following his unsuccessful 2018 movie Veera Bhoga Vasantha Rayalu, Nara Rohith took a break before returning in 2024 with Prathinidhi 2. He and his co-star Siree Lella became engaged in the same year. He will next be seen in Sundarakanda and Bhairavam.
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