In an interview, Anurag Kashyap stated that his latest film, ‘Kennedy,’ was written for and titled after Vikram, but that the ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ star did not respond to him. Here’s the full story.
Kennedy Project for Vikram
Chiyaan Vikram’s recent film ‘Ponniselvan’ has earned him a lot of praise, as the amazing actor has put up some fantastic acting. Witnessing the aura of the Tamil actor, Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap reached out to Chiyaan Vikram for the lead role in Kennedy Project. However, the PS2 actor never responded, following which he roped in Rahul Bhat.
The Gangs of Wasseypur director is currently in France for the Cannes Film Festival 2023, where the premiere of his upcoming film ‘Kennedy’ is set to take place.
In an interview with Film Companion, the director said, “I actually had a specific actor in mind when I wrote this film; which is why the film is called Kennedy. The film was called Kennedy Project. It is Chiyaan Vikram, whose real name is Kennedy. I reached out to him. He never responded. So then, I reached out to Rahul (Bhatt),” said the director. Quoted The Hindu.
The Twitter conversation
Following this, many fans expressed their disappointment that both artists had passed up an opportunity to collaborate. Later, Chiyaan took to his Twitter handle to clear the air, clarifying that it was all a huge miss understanding.
Vikram wrote, “Dear @anuragkashyap72, Just revisiting our conversation from over a year ago for the sake of our friends and well-wishers on social media. When I heard from another actor that you had tried to reach me for this film & that you felt I hadn’t responded to you, I called you myself immediately and explained that I hadn’t gotten any mail or msg from you as the mail id that you had contacted me on was no longer active and my number had changed almost 2 years before that.”
Dear @anuragkashyap72 ,
Just revisiting our conversation from over a year ago for the sake of our friends and well wishers on social media. When I heard from another actor that you had tried to reach me for this film & that you felt I hadn’t responded to you, I called you myself…— Vikram (@chiyaan) May 22, 2023
He added, “As I said during that phone call, I’m very excited for your film Kennedy and even more so because it has my name. I wish you great times ahead. Lots of love. Chiyaan Vikram aka Kennedy.”
In Reply Anurag Kashyap wrote, “Absolutely right Boss sir. For the information of people, when he found from another actor that I was trying to reach to him he called me directly and we realised that he had a different WhatsApp number. He gave me his correct information to reach out and even showed interest in reading the script but by then we were all locked and a month away from shooting. He also graciously blessed us to use the name “Kennedy” for the film. What I stated in the interview was the story behind, how the film got to be called Kennedy. There is no need for any overreaction. And definitely I think neither Chiyaan sir or I am retiring without working together. FYI we go back to pre Sethu days.”
Absolutely right Boss sir. For the information of people, when he found from another actor that I was trying to reach to him he called me directly and we realised that he had a different WhatsApp number. He gave me his correct information to reach out and even showed interest in… https://t.co/1xmImitvHY
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) May 22, 2023
Meanwhile, ‘Kennedy’ will be the part of Midnight screening section at the Cannes Film Festival 2023.
