Sunny Deol rejected, Ajay Devgan’s chopped leaf, actor became a superstar after getting a film

There are many such blockbuster films, whose story was written keeping in mind another actor, but someone else got involved on the last occasion. Anyway, before the start of the story of the film, before reaching the silver screen, many such turns, which the makers would not have thought. One such film was released in the year 1999, for which Sunny Deol and Ajay Devgan were first approached, but after the refusal of both superstars, the film fell to another actor, who is today a superstar of Hindi cinema.

This film proved to be a turning point for Akshay Kumar’s career

Filmmaker and producer Sunil Darshan spoke about the 1999 film ‘Animal’ in a conversation with India Today, which proved to be a turning point for Akshay Kumar’s career. During the conversation, Sunil Darshan revealed that both Sunny Deol and Ajay Devgan were contacted for the lead role for the film, but they separated from the project in different stage, after which Akshay Kumar was cast in the film. The film featured Shilpa Shetty and Karisma Kapoor alongside Akshay Kumar.

Sunny Deol deteriorated

Talking about Akshay Kumar’s casting in the film, Sunil Darshan said- ‘Initially, either of Sunny Deol and Ajay Devgan were to be taken in the animal, but both actors could not be a part of the film for some reason. The animal was never written for Akshay Kumar. First Sunny Deol was approached, he was also ready. But, as soon as we were about to start work on it, we got into differences over some things and he separated from the film. I decided to pursue this project with someone else.

Everyone changed in one night

Sunil Darshan further said, ‘I and Ajay Devgan met on Saturday and the film was agreed. We were going to decide everything on Monday, but everything changed on Sunday. The director received a call. This call came from someone from whom I had never met before, he was Akshay Kumar. He wanted to meet immediately. I welcomed him and expressed his desire to act in the animal. He asked, ‘Will you think about making films with me?’

Animals were released in 1999.

Earning 12 crores in a budget of 4 crores

Sunil Darshan admitted that initially he was hesitant to cast Akshay Kumar in ‘Animal’ in the film. He said- ‘He was at the lowest point of his career. As soon as I agreed. I was carrying them in my mind that, here is a good looking actor, who is disciplined and giving 100 percent. He told me too- Sir, I will give my 100 percent and his words remain with me. With a production budget of 4 crores, the animal collected more than 12 crores. Along with tremendous earnings at the box office, the film also gave a new flight to Akshay Kumar’s career.