The casting of 20-year-old Sara Arjun opposite 40-year-old Ranveer Singh in Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar initially sparked significant discussion among netizens regarding the 20-year age gap. However, following the film’s release, audiences praised the duo’s natural onscreen chemistry.
Casting Director Mukesh Chhabra has now shed light on the deliberate decision behind the age difference, revealing that it was integral to the film’s narrative.
The Search for a “Fresh Approach”
In a conversation with the Free Press Journal, Mukesh Chhabra revealed his strategy for casting Sara Arjun, who was chosen from over 1,300 girls who auditioned:
- Fresh Face: “My idea was that we are creating the whole world. So, we are doing surprise casting, and this girl should look completely fresh,” Chhabra explained.
- Hidden Talent: Though Sara was a known child actor, the director wanted a new approach. Chhabra, who has worked with Sara for years, stated, “When she gave the audition, I saw the hidden talent behind her sweet face. She is such an amazing actor, you will see that in part 2. You will be surprised.”
The Age Gap Was Essential to the Plot
Addressing the controversy surrounding the age difference, Chhabra confirmed that the gap was intentionally factored into the casting brief:
- Clear Brief: “No, I had got a very clear brief. The story is that he (Ranveer) is trying to trap her (Sara). So, we knew that we wanted a young girl who is 20-21 years old.”
- Narrative Necessity: He stressed that while other good actors in the 26-27 age group were available, this specific age gap was “required in the film.” Chhabra hinted that the full justification will become clear in the sequel: “When part 2 comes, whoever is talking about the age gap will get all the answers.”
The sequel, Dhurandhar 2, is scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, 2026.