Looks like casting for the Hindi remake of director Lingusamy’s ‘Vettai’ has crossed borders. While the names of many leading actors, including Shah Rukh Khan, have been suggested for the role that Madhavan played in the original Tamil version, it is now revealed that Pakistan-based musician- cum-actor Ali Zafar will play the elder brother’s role in the remake.
“We have nearly confirmed him for the role,” says Lingusamy, who is directing the Hindi version as well.
Ali Zafari has already acted in four Bollywood films, the latest being ‘London, Paris, New York’.
Lingusamy, however, is not ready to reveal details about how and when Ali Zafar was approached. He also denies reports about Ileana being finalised to play one of the heroines in the film. “The producers of the flick are holding talks with many heroines, and Ileana may be one of them. But nothing has been finalised yet,” said Lingusamy.
The director will fly to Mumbai in a couple of days to confirm the cast. Shoot for the film will begin from May 2. As of now, only actor Shahid Kapoor has been confirmed to play the role of the younger brother (played by Arya in Tamil). Shahid is thoroughly impressed with the story, says Lingusamy. “In fact, he wanted the film to be remade in Hindi without any changes, but I have tweaked the climax a wee bit,” says the director.
Vishal Shekhar will compose music for the Hindi version, while Kollywood music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja will do the re-recording. It may be recalled that Yuvan composed the music for ‘Vettai’. Filmmaker Lingusamy is simultaneously working on a Tamil film too — ‘Sandakozhi 2’ — with actor Vishal playing the lead.