India
Sunny Doel was roped in for Jaap after this Tollywood actor declined it, reveals director
Director Gopichand Malignin disclosed in a recent interview that Jaap was not initially approached by Sunny Doel as an actor. This is his statement Tollywood filmmaker Gopichand Malignin’s first Bollywood film, Jaap, starring Sunny Doel, was first offered to another actor. He disclosed in an interview with TeluguOne that Nantaimori Balakrishna rejected his first pitch.
For the movie. (Also Read: Everything we know about Balakrishnan’s important part in Rajinikanth-Nelson Dilipkumar’s Jailer Sunny Doel in a shot from Jaap, the first Bollywood film directed by Gopichand Malignin Sunny Doel in a shot from Jaap, the first Bollywood film directed by Gopichand Malignin Balakrishnan was initially presented with Jaap The much.
Anticipated action drama Jaap has been generating significant buzz ever since veteran Bollywood actor Sunny Doel was announced as its lead. But in a recent revelation, the film’s director disclosed that Doel was not the first choice for the role. In fact, the role was initially offered to a leading Tollywood star who eventually turned it to the on down.
Speaking candidly in a promotional interview, director Rajeev Verme revealed, “The character of Jaap was envisioned as a rugged, emotionally complex figure with deep-rooted ties to justice and personal redemption. We originally approached Telugu superstar Rana Decubiti because of his towering screen presence and intense acting chops. Rana loved the script but had to.
Verme added that the casting team had a shortlist of actors who could embody the gritty charisma required for Jaap. “It wasn’t an easy role to fill. We needed someone who could carry the emotional depth while also delivering the kind of action that feels both raw and real. When Rana couldn’t come on board, we went back to the drawing board. That’s when Sunny sir’s.
Sunny Doel, known for his intense performances in iconic films like Ghazali, Gadara, and Border, was apparently enthusiastic about the role from the very beginning. Verma recalled, “When we approached Sunny sir, he immediately connected with the story. He said the character reminded him of the kind of roles he did in the early 2000s, but with a fresh narrative.
According to sources close to the production, Sunny Doel underwent a month-long physical transformation to get into the skin of Jaap. He also trained in a specific style of hand-to-hand combat choreographed by South Korean action directors. The film blends traditional Indian storytelling with an international cinematic style, something Verme believes Doel was able to.
The film, set against the backdrop of a fictional northern town gripped by political corruption and organized crime, follows Jaap, a former police officer who returns from exile to uncover the truth behind a string of mysterious murders tied to his past. With a layered screenplay and action set-pieces designed for the big screen, Jaap is expected to be one of major pan-India.
While fans of Tollywood might wonder what the film would’ve looked like with Rana Daggubati in the lead, Verma is confident that the right decision was made. “Everything happens for a reason. Rana was gracious and supportive even when he declined. But Sunny Deol has brought something rare to the character—something visceral and grounded.”
Jaap is slated for release later this year and will be available in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. With a power-packed star cast and a gripping narrative, the film promises to be a thrilling cinematic experience As for Sunny Doel, this could mark yet another high point in a career that continues to evolve, decades after his debut. Fans are already counting down.
- Group Media Publication
- Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
- General News Platforms – IHTLive.com
- Entertainment News Platforms – https://anyflix.in/