Acclaimed director Sriram Raghavan, who has gained a reputation for crafting engrossing thrillers such as ‘Badlapur’ and ‘Andhadhun’, is poised to unveil his latest cinematic venture, ‘Merry Christmas’, featuring the talents of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. Ahead of its much-anticipated January 2024 release, Raghavan shared insights into the casting process, which notably diverged from the initial plans.
During a revealing dialogue with Pinkvilla, Raghavan recounted the transition from Saif Ali Khan, his original pick for the male lead, to Vijay Sethupathi, whose recent performances have elevated his standing in the film industry through hits like ‘Jawan’ and ‘Vikram’. The juxtaposition of Kaif and Sethupathi has generated buzz, thanks to the trailer’s showcase of their unexpected on-screen chemistry.
“It began serendipitously,” Raghavan said, detailing his interaction with Katrina Kaif post ‘Andhadhun’. “We mulled over a few ideas and when I pitched her the storyline, it intrigued her immediately. The conversation naturally progressed to who would play her counterpart.”
Initially, the role was envisioned for Saif Ali Khan, whose earlier work with Raghavan had set expectations for another collaboration. However, after a script reading, the director opted to shift gears in favor of a fresh pairing. “I envisioned a canvas free of any previous associations between the actors. It was vital to inject a breath of new life, to create something unprecedented on-screen.”
The inspiration for this unconventional pairing struck Raghavan when his path crossed with Sethupathi’s. Recalling his trip to Melbourne for a film festival, Raghavan mentioned, “On my flight, I indulged in Sethupathi’s film ’96’ and was captivated by his performance. Our subsequent meeting in Melbourne further convinced me, especially after learning about his familiarity with Hindi during his stint in Dubai.”
Within the industry, where box office success often pre-determines a film’s legacy, both Raghavan and his lead actress, Katrina Kaif, emphasized its significance. “It’s a delicate balance between the artistic and the commercial,” the director conceded. “Investors pour significant resources into these projects, and a return on that investment is essential. That’s the reality that underpins our creative ambitions.”
Katrina Kaif, drawing from her extensive career experience, echoed these sentiments. “A deserted theatre is an unmistakable signal. If audiences are absent, it denotes an underlying issue—an aspect we, as filmmakers, must confront and decipher in hindsight.”
‘Merry Christmas’, a romantic thriller crafted in both Hindi and Tamil, aims to captivate audiences with its narrative twists and the charged dynamic between Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. As the countdown to its release commences, the film community’s anticipation reaches new heights.
The film’s journey to the big screen speaks to the evolving processes behind casting decisions and the ongoing tension between creative aspirations and commercial viability in contemporary cinema. With ‘Merry Christmas’, Raghavan aspires to transcend these challenges, delivering a film where artistry and audience appeal converge. Audiences nationwide are marking their calendars for January 12, 2024, to witness if ‘Merry Christmas’ will indeed be the gift that keeps on giving, both narratively and financially, in the competitive landscape of Indian cinema.
