Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia has opened up about an interesting casting decision behind his upcoming film Ghamasaan, revealing that Shah Rukh Khan was the first actor he approached for one of the lead roles.

Speaking about the film’s casting, Dhulia said he had initially imagined Shah Rukh Khan in the role of the police officer, a character eventually played by Pratik Gandhi. According to the filmmaker, Khan heard the script but decided not to take up the project.

Dhulia recalled that he and Shah Rukh have known each other for several years. The filmmaker had also acted as Khan’s father in Zero. Despite their professional association, Khan chose to politely turn down the offer after listening to the story.

Dhulia said Khan’s response was essentially that he did not make films of such a realistic nature. The filmmaker, however, did not appear to take the rejection personally and spoke warmly about the superstar.

Interestingly, Arshad Warsi, who stars opposite Pratik Gandhi in Ghamasaan, agreed with Shah Rukh’s decision. Warsi joked that he would rather see Khan in larger-than-life roles similar to Hollywood star Tom Cruise than in a highly realistic film.

Why Pratik Gandhi Was Chosen

After Shah Rukh Khan declined the project, Pratik Gandhi eventually stepped into the role. Dhulia has described Gandhi as a highly adaptable actor who can transform himself according to the demands of a character.

Ghamasaan revolves around a police officer pursuing a dangerous dacoit in the Hindi heartland. Arshad Warsi plays the outlaw, while Pratik Gandhi portrays the officer leading the pursuit. The film explores the conflict between the two sides while also focusing on the atmosphere and social realities of the region.

Dhulia has previously been associated with realistic and content-driven cinema, including Paan Singh Tomar. For Ghamasaan, he drew inspiration from the Bundelkhand landscape and his long-standing interest in Western-style action films.

The film, which was originally intended for a theatrical release, is now scheduled to premiere on ZEE5 on September 11.