UNSUITABLE CASTING IN FILM
Friends you must have felt so many times after watching a film that although the storyline and subject of the film are very good, the overall impact of the film is lost because of the wrong casting of the actor in a particular role. In the end, you are left wondering if the film would have been much better if some other actor had played that particular role instead of the actor who played that role. Here are a few such cases in recent times, where most of people felt the film was spoiled by wrong casting:
1 Imran Khan in ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbai… Dobara’
He was, initially hailed as the chocolate boy of Bollywood, but faced a daunting challenge stepping into the shoes of a gritty gangster. Despite his commendable acting prowess, he struggled to convincingly embody the demeanor of a hardened criminal. Many felt his portrayal lacked the required depth and intensity, raising questions about the casting choice and suggesting that a more naturally fitting actor might have breathed more authenticity into the role.
2 Nargis Fakhri in ‘Rockstar’
The cinematic masterpiece Rockstar left an indelible mark, yet her portrayal as Heer Kaul drew criticism. While the film beautifully captured pain and passion, her performance stumbled in delivering the emotional complexity demanded by the character. Her limitations in emoting effectively became evident, leaving the audience feeling disconnected from what would have been a more poignant portrayal.
3 Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Fan’
He is renowned for his versatile performances and took on the challenging dual role in this film. While his portrayal of the superstar was lauded for its authenticity, his portrayal of the ardent fan felt somewhat mismatched due to the age disparity. Many believed that casting younger actors for the fan’s role might have lent more credibility to the character dynamics, potentially enhancing the overall impact of the film.
4 Hrithik Roshan in ‘Super 30’
His depiction in this film faced scrutiny for various reasons. Beyond concerns about his portrayal lacking conviction, the application of heavy bronzer to darken his skin raised eyebrows, as it seemed disconnected from the storyline’s essence. Many advocated for actors like Pankaj Tripathi, known for their depth and authenticity, believing their portrayal could have added substantial substance to the narrative.
5 Bhumi Pednekar in ‘Bala’
Her portrayal in Bala stirred controversy due to the use of excessive bronzer and dark makeup to portray a character with darker skin. This choice sparked discussions around authentic representation, questioning why someone naturally fitting the was not cast. Despite Bhumi’s acting prowess, this decision drew criticism, highlighting the importance of genuine representation in cinema.
6 Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’
While Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma’s on-screen chemistry has been applauded in their previous hit films, their pairing in this film faced skepticism due to the noticeable age gap. This discrepancy in their on-screen pairing distracted from the storyline, causing some viewers to find the match-up less convincing compared to their earlier collaborations.
7 Himesh Reshammiya in all his films
His transition from music to acting garnered mixed reactions. His foray into remaking classics like ‘Karz’ and subsequent performances left audiences divided. Some questioned the casting decision and expressed disappointment, believing his performances lacked the depth and finesse expected in cinematic roles.
8 Sharaddha Kapoor in ‘Haseena Parkar’
Her portrayal in this film, a biopic delving into complex emotions, failed to resonate with audiences. Criticism centered on her perceived inability to bring depth and nuance to the character, leaving her performance feeling robotic and lacking the necessary emotional layers.
9 Salman Khan in ‘Tubelight’
His forte often lies in portraying charismatic, macho characters. However, his portrayal in ‘Tubelight’ attempting a role significantly different from his usual persona, faced skepticism. His portrayal of a challenged person lacked the depth and authenticity required, reinforcing the perception that certain roles might fall outside his acting range.
10 Katrina Kaif in ‘Rajneeti’
Her inclusion in this film faced scrutiny due to concerns about her accent and acting skills. While the film itself was well-received, her performance drew criticism with some questioning the casting decision given perceived limitations in her portrayal, which detracted from the overall impact of the film.
Friends, do you remember some other incidents of miscasting in recent times?
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
9th February 2024